I // 



\ ^^T- 




^ 






^afiin's litptints. 



No. VI. 



THE 



lilSTOEY 



FIRST DISCOVERY AND SETTLEIMENT 



VIRGINIA 



WILLIAM STITH, A. M. 



NEW YORK: 
REPRINTED FOR JOSEPH SABIN. 

1865. 



Two HUNDREB AND FiFTY COPIES PRINTED. 



No. W 



r 



AL.VOllD, PTIINTEJ 



BIBLIOGHAP/IICAL NOTICE, 



The Original Documents from which much of this valu- 
able work was compiled having been lately dellroyed, and 
the work itfelf being fcarce, it is hoped its reprodudion will 
be an acceptable contribution to American Hiitory. 

Two Editions of the work have been publillied ; the Firft, 
or Williamfburg Edition (of which this is a reprint), in 
1747, and the London Reprint in 1753. 

In the "Hiftorical Magazine," Vol. II., page 184, a writer, 
under the pfeudonym of B, Franklin, deicribes what he 
confiders Tico WilHamfl)urg Editions, but which were, in 
reality, the Editions of 1747 and 1753, but probably having 
titles alike. 

In the fame Magazine, Vol. V., page 350, D. P. S [mith] 
attempts to point out the difference in the Editions, but falls 
into a double error : firft, in defcribing the Fine Paper Wil- 
liamlburg Edition as correfponding with the London Edi- 
tion in Type, Lines, Pages, and Ornaments ; and fecond, in 
ftating that the "Poor Paper Williamfturg Edition" differs 
from the Fine Paper of the fame place and date. 

As I have the three varieties now before me, I will en- 
deavour to defcribe them. 

The Firft, or Williamfl)urg Edition, of 1747, appears to 
have been printed on two varieties of paper, both the fame 
fize, and both hv'd, one being thicker than the other. The 
Signatures, Catchwords, Ornaments, &c., agreeing exadly 
with each other, and the error on page 104, which is printed 
410, being alike in each. 

Signature S is mispaged. It fliould read 257 inftead of 
247, and fo on to the end, adding 10 pages to the whole 
number (331) as they appear in this reprint. 



viii BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE. 

The fecond Edition has the following Title : — " The Hif- 
tory of the Firlt Difcovery and Settlement of Firghu'a. By 
William Stith, A. M., Prefident of the College of William 
and Mary in Firginia. '^antci violis erat * "^ * condere gentein. 
Virg. Virginia, Printed : London, Reprinted for S. Birt, 
in Jve-Mary-Lane. M.DCC.LIII." 

The Number of Pages, Signatures, &c., is the fame as in 
the Williamfburg Edition. The pagination runs on regularly 
up to page 304, then the rctfo of Signature X is paged 295, 
and fo on till it terminates at page 331 (for 341) as in the 
other Edition. 

,,^The Paper and Types are the fame as the Williamfburg 
Fine Paper, but in other refpeds there are feveral variations. 

On pages ], 35, 101, 175, and 176, the Ornaments differ. 

On pages 21 and 119, the London Edition has Signature 
marks not in the other. 

On pages 33, 73, 82, 84, 86, 89, 98, 99, 131, 171, 178, 
179, 206, 208, 214, 225, 233, 238, and 244, the Catchwords 
differ; while Signature X appears to be precifely the fame in 
each Edition, and in my copy of the London Edition, the 
paper in this Signature differs from the reft of the volume. 

On page 308 of the Williamfburg Edition, there is a line 
acrofs the page, over the foot-note. This is omitted in the 
London Edition. 

On page 2 of the Appendix, the capital J is in Roman — 
in the London Edition it is in Italic. 

Joseph Sabin. 

New York, 1865. 



\ 



THE 

HISTORY 

O F T H E 

Firft DISCOVERY 

AND 

SETTLEMENT 

OF 

VIRGINIA: 

BEING 

An ESSAY towards a General 

History of this COLONY. 



By William Stith, A. M. 

Redtor of Henrico Parifh, and one of the Governors of 
William and Mary College. 

Tanta molis erat *** condere gentem. Virg. 

WILLIAMSBURG: 
Printed by William Parks, M,DCC,XLVII. 



1^1 



THE 



PREFACE. 



f3?.5-/ 



I 'K^)/~i ^t ik^ College, and began to enjoy a little 
^r[\., ^>^ Le'ifure^ I could not think myfelf wholly dif- 



^1^* ^y' il^ '^^'^ HERE prefent the Reader with the firjl 
(','' '"' " ' )- Part of my Hijhry of our own Comitry. 
-^ When I had left my laborious Einploy7nent 

\ ' <- - - • r .^ '"* ', charged from the Service of the Publick. 
iP T. r, T. M .1 As therefore my late Uncle^ Sir John Ran- 
dolph, had purpofed to write a Preface to our Laws^ and 
therein to give an Hijiorical Account of our Conjlitution and 
Government^ but was prevented from profecuting it to Effe£i^ 
by his many and weighty Publick Employments^ and by the 
vaji Burthen of private Bu/inefs frotn his Clients^ I thought 
the Hijiory of Virginia luould be no mean or unacceptable Un- 
dertaking. For fuch a Work., well performed., mujl naturally 
he a great Satisfaction., and even Ornafuent^ to our Country. 
Beftdes which., I was farther induced by fotne other Reafons. 
It is now an hundred and forty Tears^ fince the firji Difco- 
very and Settlement of Virginia ; and as many ufeful Papers 
and Records., relating to our Hijiory., may probably be found 
at prefent., which will perhaps be lofi hereafter., I conceived 
it high time., that fomething material Jhould be atte?npted in it. 
For I need not fay., how empty and unfatisfaCtory every thing., 
yet publifljed upon the Subjed., is \ excepting the excellent but 
confufed Materials., left us in Captain Smith'j- Hijiory. 

I [peak not this with the Pride and Malevolence of an Au- 
thor., that would raife his own Reputation by depreciating his 
Brother Writers ; but it is a Cenfure moji jujily due to thoj'e., 
who have yet meddled with our Hijiory., and which /, for 
my own Part., owe thejn., for the Vexation and Difappoint- 
ment I met with., in reading their Works. And I can far- 
ther declare with great Truth., that had any thing of Confe- 
quence been done in our Hijiory., I could mofi willingly have 
faved myfelf the Trouble., of conning over our old 7nu(iy Re- 
A 2 cords., 



The PREFACE. 

cords^ and of Jludying^ conneSIing^ and reconciling the jar- 
ring and disjointed Writings and Relations of different Men 
and different Parties. Hoiuever^ I was forry to fee all our 
Hopes at an End by the Death of Sir John Randolph ; and 
was unwilling the Defign Jhould be entirely abandoned^ and 
that our Hiffory fiould Jiill remain in its old Confufton and 
Uncertainty . I had alfo^ by my Intimacy with that Gentle- 
man., had the Sight and Perujal of many excellent Materials 
in his Hands ; and thought., I could not handfomely be denied 
the Ufe of any thing elfe to my Purpofe., either in our publick 
Offices., or the PoJJ'effion of private Gentlemen. 

I may further add., that I at prefent enjoy a perfeSI Lei- 
fur e and Retirement., and am not burthened with any publick 
Pofl or Office. So that fuch a Work will be a noble and ele- 
gant Entertainment for my vacant Hours., which it is not in 
my Poiuer to employ., more to my own Satisfaction., or the 
Ufe and Benefit of ?ny Country. 

J S to ?ny Helps in carrying on this Work., befides De Brye'j 
Edition o/^Hariot'j- Treatife and'Wix.Ws Cuts and Maps., and 
befides cafual Jffffances frotn fuch Parts of Purchas, as I 
could procure., frofn Dr. Heylen, and other things in Print., 
the inquifitive Reader will eafily perceive., how much of this 
Volume is founded on Captain Smith'j Materials. They are 
large and good., and of unqueffionable Authority., for what is 
related., whilfi he ffaid in the Country. But they are how- 
ever., as I before obferved., va/ily confufed and perplexed., and 
took me more Labour and Pains to digeff them., than I at firff 
expected. The latter Part of his Hijiory alfo., efpecially from 
Captain Argall'^ Government., is liable to fome jufl Sufpicion. 
Not that I queffion Captain Smith'5 Integrity ; for I take 
him to have been a very hone/i Man., and a ffrenuous Lover 
of Truth. But being himfelf abfent in thofe times upon other 
Projects., and having an Acquaintance and Friendjlnp with 
Sir Thomas Smith and Captain Argall, he feems chief y to 
have depended upon them and their Friends., for his Account 
of things. And particularly., his Account of Captain Argall'j 
Govertnnent is exprefy taken from himfelf., and from a Rela- 
tion of Mr. Rolfe'j. Befides which., it is evident that his 
Mind was fomewhat eagered by the NegleBs Jhewn him., and 
by the Refufal of fome jufl Reward for his many and great 
Services. So that he does not feem much inclined., to think well 
of the Company or their Proceedings. And fuch Prejudices 
and Partialities do filently and imperceptibly fide iyito the be ft 
and honeffeff Minds ; and ought therefore to be carefully 
watched and guarded againff by all Men., but efpecially by 
Hifforians. But from whatever Caufe it proceeded., it is cer- 
tain., that he gave a very wrong Idea of Captain Argall and 

his 



The PREFACE. 

his Government^ and of the Reafons of the Diffolution of the 
Company^ in which he has been iynplicitely followed by all our 
fucceeding Hi/hrians. And I would not have the Reader fur- 
prifed to find my Account of thofe Particulars^ fo very dif- 
ferent from all others^ yet in Priyit. For I ajfure him^ there 
is not one Article^ fcarce a Word^ in my Relation^ which is 
not founded on the exprefs Tefiimony^ and the incontejiible 
Authority^ of our Records in the Capitol^ and the Company'' s 
"Journals. 

FOR befides thefe priyit ed Accounts^ I have had the grcateji 
and moji conjiderable Afiftances from authentick Manufcripts. 
Sir John Randolph'j- Colle^ion of publick Papers^ and the 
Capitol Records., have been of no little Ufe to me., and will be 
Jiill of greater Service and Confequence in the Profecution of 
the Work. But I muji confefs myfelf mojl endebted., in this 
Part of my Hijiory., to a very full and fair Manufcript of 
the London Company^ s Records., which was commimicated to 
me by the late luorthy Prefdent of our Council., the Honoura- 
ble William Byrd, Efq; Neither could I well excufe myfelf 
if I did not likewife acknowledge., with what Humanity and 
Politenefs., that tuell bred Gentleman and Scholar., not only 
communicated thoje Manufcripts to me., but alfo threiu open his 
Library [the bejl and mo/i copious Collection of Books in our 
Part of America) and was himfelf even Jiudious and follici- 
tous., to fearch out and give ?ne., tvhatever ?night be ufeful to 
my Undertaking. 

AS theje Records are a very curious and valuable Piece of 
the Antiquities of our Country., I Jhall give the Reader an 
Account of them., zvhich I received., many Tears ago., in Con- 
verfation ivith Col. Byrd and Sir John Randolph. / had 
then no Thoughts of writing the Hijiory of Virginia, and 
therefore took lefs Notice., than I otherwife fhould have done. 
However., as I am perhaps the only Perfon now living., any 
thing acquainted xvith their Hi/iory., it ivill not be improper 
to give it to the Reader., as I judge it highly luorthy of his 
Knowledge. 

THESE Records are a fournal of the Company'' s Pro- 
ceedings., from Day to Day ; and are written in two large 
Folio Volumes., on a Kind of Elephant Paper., generally in a 
very fair and legible Hand. Each Page is fubfcribed by Ed- 
ward Collingwood, the Company^ Secretary., thus ; Com. 
Collingwood, zuhich is., as I take it.. Compared, Colling- 
wood. Befides which., there is a Tejiification at the End of 
each Volume. At the End of the firji., under the Hands of 
Edward Waterhoufe and Edward Collingwood, Secretaries 
of the two Companies for Virginia and the Somer-Iflands, that 
they had compared that ivith the Original Court-Book., and 

found 



vi The P R E F A C E. 

found it to he a true and perfect Copy of the fame^ except the 
Omijfion of one Court and Part of another. The fecond Vo- 
lume is figned by the [aid Secretary Collingwood arid Thomas 
Collet, of the Middle Temple, Gentleman.^ tejiifying the 

fame things except in a fw immaterial Points^ where xuere 
wanted fome Original Papers : Thefe Volumes only contain 
the Company^ s Proceedings for a little above five l~ears^ viz. 

from April 28, 16 19 /<? June 7, 1624; including the whole 
Time of Sir Edwin Sandys'-f and the Earl of Southampton'j- 
Adminijiration. However they are not a brief and fumtnary 
Entry of the principal Points and Matters concluded upon^ 
according to the common Methods of Courts^ but give^ at 
lengthy the chief Speeches^ Reafons^ and Debates^ that hap- 
pened in their Courts^ during that time. And as it was a Pe- 
riod of vaji Conteji and Difpute^ they often recur back to 

former Times and Tranfatiions^ and thereby give us a clear 
Idea and Account of the chief Matters and Proceedings of the 
Company .^ almo/i from it's frji Injhtution and Foundation. 

THIS Copy was taken., by the Order., and for the U/}, of 
the Earl of Southampton, the Company's Treafurer at that 
time ; who feeing., how things xvere going with the Company., 
had their Records thus carefully copied and compared., and au- 
thentically attejied. Whether his Lordjhip intended to Jland 
Suit with the King for the Rights and Privileges of the Co?n- 
pany., or whether he did it only in Vindication of his ozun 
and the Company's Reputation., is uncertain. However they 
were carefully preferved in the Family ; and as the Original 
Court-Books were taken from the Company by the King and 
Privy Council., and never again reftored to them., that I can 

find., but probably dejiroyed or loji., this is perhaps the only 
Copy., now extatit. After the Death of that Earl's Son., the 
Duke of Southampton [the ivorthy Partner in the Miniftry 
with the Earl of Clarendon, after the Rejloration) which 
happened in the Tear 1667, the late Col. Byrd'j Father., be- 
ing then in England, purchafed them of his Executors., for 

fixty Guineas. And thus have they been handed down., to 
clear the Honour and Uprightnefs of the Atiions of that No- 
blonan and the Co?tipany., and to the full ConviSlion of King 
James' J arbitrary and oppreffive Proceedings againji them. 

I therefore hope., my Freedom with that King's Character., 
will need no Apology. For if inore than a Century is not 
enough to un-folomonife that filly Monarch., I mujl give up 
all my Notions of things. A King's Character., zuhilfi he 
lives., is., and ought to be facred., becaufe his Authority de- 
pends upon it. But when his Authority., the Reafon of it's 
being facred., determines., the Inviolablenefs of his Chara^er 
is alfo at an End. And I take it to he the main Part of the 

Duty 



The PREFACE. 

Duty and Office of an Hijhr'ian^ to paint Men and Things 
in their true and lively Colours ; and to do that ^ujHce to the 
Vices and Follies of Princes and great Men., after their 
Death., which it is not Jafe or proper to do., whil/i they are 
alive. And herein., as I judge ^ chiefly confiji the Strength and 
Excellency of Tacitus and Suetonius. Their Stile and Man- 
ner are far inferior to Livv'-f, and the IVriters of the Julian 
and Auguftan Ages. But they have more than painted., and 
expofed alive to [lew., the greateji Train of Monfiers., that 
ever difgraced a Throne., or did Dijhonour to human Na- 
ture ; and thereby have obtained to themfelves a Rank., among 
the beji and mojl valuable IVriters. King James /. fell in- 
deed far Jhort of the Caefar'j- fuperlative IVickednefs and Su- 
premacy in Vice. He was., at beJi., only very fitnple and 
injudicious., without any Jieady Principle of fuflice and Ho- 
nour ; which ivas rendered the more odious and ridiculous., by 
his large and conflant Pretenfions to JVifdom and Virtue. 
And he had., in Truth., all the Forms of IVifdom ; for ever 
erring very learnedly., tuith a luife Saiu., or Latin Sentence., 
in his Mouth. For he had been bred up under Buchanan, 
one of the brightefl Genius^ and mo/i accomplijhed Scholars 
of that Age., who had given him Greek and Latin in great 
IVaJie and Profufion., but it tuas not in his Poiuer to give 
him good Senfe. That is the Gift of God and Nature alone., 
and is not to be taught ; and Greek and Latin without it., 
only cumber and overload a weak Head., and often render the 
Fool more abundantly foolijh. I mufl therefore confefs., that I 
have ever had., from my firji Acquaintance with Hiflory., a 
mofl contemptible Opinion of this Monarch ; which has per- 
haps been much heightened and increafed., by my long fludying 
and conning over the Materials of this Hijlory. For he ap- 
pears., in his Dealings with the Company., to have aSted with 
(uch mean Arts and Fraud., and fuch little Tricking., as high- 
ly tnijlecome Majejiy. And I am much miflaken., if his ar- 
bitrary Proceedings and unjuft Defigns zvill appear from any 
Part of his Hijiory ?nore fully., than from theje TranfaSiions 
with the Company and Colony ; which have been thus far un- 
knoiun to the Englifli Hijhrians., and will perhaps be Jiill 
thought too infignificant for their Notice. Hoivever I hope., 
my Jpeaking my Mind thus fincerely and impartially luill give 
no Umbrage or Offence to any Man., or Party of Men. For 
I declare myj'elf to be of no Party ; but have laboured folely 
tuith a View., to find out and relate the Truth. And as for 
King James /. / think and fpeak of him., with the fame 
Freedom and Indifferency., that I would think and fpeak of 
any other Man., long fince dead ; and therefore I have no 
way reflrained my Stile., in freely expofing his weak and in- 
jurious Proceedings IN 



Vll 



The PREFACE. 

IN the fucceeding Parts of this Hl/Iory^ I am afraid^ I 
fiall meet with much greater Difficulties^ then I have yet en- 
countered. For I muji chiefly depend on fuch of our Records., 
as are ftill extant. Many of them doubtlefs perijhed in the 
State-houfe at James-Town, and by other Accidents ; and 
thofe.y which have furvived the Flames and Injuries of Time., 
have been fo carelefy kept., are fo broken., interrupted., and 
deficient., have been fo mangled by Moths and Worms., and lie 
in fuch a confufed and jumbled State [at leafi the mofi an- 
cient of them) being huddled together in jingle Leaves and 
Sheets in Books out of the Binding., that I forefee., it will cofi 
me infinite Pains and Labour., to reduce and digefi them into 
any tolerable Order., fo as to form from them a jufi and con- 
netled Narration. And fome of them have been lofi., even 
fince Mr. Hickman was Clerk of the Secretary's Office. For 
I cannot find., among the Papers in our Offices., fome old Rolls., 
to which he refers. I have therefore been obliged., in a few 
Points., to depend upon the Fidelity of that Gentleman's Ex- 
traSis out of our oldeft Records., made for the Uj^e of Sir John 
Randolph. But thefe things were fo far from difcour aging 
and rebuffing me., that they were rather an additional Spur to 
my Indufiry. For I thought it highly neceffary., before they 
were entirely lofi and dejiroyed., to apply them to their proper 
Ufe., the forming a good Hifiory. But as the Houfe of Bur- 
geffies., in a late Sejfion., upon my [hewing their moldering and 
dangerous State to fome of the Members., have jufily taken 
them into their Confideration., and have ordered them to be 
reviewed and fairly tranfcribed., I doubt not., by their Affifi- 
ance., and with the Help of the late Sir John Randolph'^ 
Papers., and fuch others., as are in the Hands of private 
Gentlemen in the Country., and will undoubtedly be readily 
communicated to further fo noble and fo ufefiul a Defign., to be 
able to collet and compofe a tolerably regular and complete 
Hifiory of our Country. 

Varina, Dec. lo, 1746. 




THE 



o^a? 



THE 



HISTORY 



OF 



VIRGINIA 



B O O K I, 



g^fSM^fp^VERY Country hath it's Fables concern- 
(J" >c^ ,. ) ing it's Original, which give great Scope to 
I'- T^- ; light and fanciful Hiftorians, but are ufually 

p- ■" .' pailed over with a flight Mention by the folid 

|,: ' ' \ and judicious. The late Difcovery of Jme- 

|,;/si. >^,.y .,u,uuui rica^ in hiftorical and well-known Times, 
might, one would think, have exempted it from this com- 
mon Fate of Nations. Yet fuch is the Pride of fome 
Men to feem of deep Reach and Infight, and to ftrike 
out things untouched and unthought of by others, and 
fuch their prepofterous Delight in groping after Truth 
in the Dark, and yet negle6ting her in the clear and me- 
ridian Brightnefs of Day, that even this new World hath 
been endowed with it's fabulous Age, and old Tales re- 
vived, or new ones invented, to ftretch it's Antiquities be- 
yond Columbus^ and the fliort Date of two hundred and 
fifty Years. We are therefore told of one Han?7o^ a Car- 
thaginian Captain, who made a Voyage to Jmerica. But 
in what Age he lived, or upon what Authority or Pretext 
the Story is grounded, I have not been yet able fully to dis- 
cover. Even the monftrous Legends of Arthur^ Malgo^ 
« B and 



The History of VIRGINIA. Book I. 

and Madock^ a JP elch Prince, and of the Friar of Lynne^ 
who by his black Art tranfported himfelf to the Northern 
Parts of America^ have found Men weak enough to be 
the Relators and Propagators of them. Plato\ Fable alfo 
of the Atlantick Iflands has been applied to this Subject ; 
and Seneca the Tragedian, who could never yet obtain from 
the Criticks a firm Rank among the befl: and moft approved 
Claflicks, hath neverthelefs been acknowledged by the Hif- 
torians as a true Prophet, and fome Verfes of his quoted, 
as containing a prediction of the future Difcovery and Set- 
tlement of America. But as I have ever had an utter Con- 
tempt and Averfion for all fuch learned Trumpery, and 
have often been difgufted and concerned to fee Authors, 
otherwife of Judgment and Genius, carried by their Cre- 
dulity too far into thofe dark and uncertain Traits of 
Time, I fhall leave thefe, with other Stories of the like 
Nature, to their firft Authors or Inventors, and (hall apply 
myfelf to give a plain and exa6l Hiftory of our Country, 
ever regarding Truth as the firft requifite and principal Vir- 
tue in an Hiftorian, and relating nothing without a fuffici- 
ent Warrant and Authority. 

The European Nations had continued, through all Ages, 
in the molt profound Ignorance of all the reft of the World, 
except the beft Part of Europe., and the moft obvious and 
adjacent Countries of Afia and Africa. And although the 
attractive Power of the Loadftone had been long known 
and obferved, yet it's Poles, and the wonderful Qualities 
and Inclination of the magnetical Needle, were ftill a Se- 
cret, till it feemed good to Divine Providence, that one 
John Gioia^ of Amalfi in the Kingdom of Naples., difco- 
vered them about the Year 1300. This important Difco- 
very lay long ufelefs, without any Application to Naviga- 
tion ; neither can we certainly fay, who firft turned it to 
this great End. However the Ufe of the Sea-Compafs 
crept in by Degrees, and was undoubtedly the grand Inftru- 
ment and Foundation of all thefe later Difcoveries. 

The Portuguefe was the firft Nation of Europe., that 
engaged in maritime Expeditions, in order to explore and 
difcover the unknown Parts of the World. For Prince 
Henry o^ Portugal., in the Year 141 7, fent two fmall Barks 
to make Difcoveries along the Coaft of Africa ; which Be- 
ginning, having fome Succefs, was afterwards profecuted, 
during the Life of that Prince, under his Aufpices and Di- 
rection. After his Death, they ftill advanced by Degrees 
in their Trade and Difcoveries, till at length in the Year 
i486 they reached the Cape of Good-Hope. But it was 
1497, five Years after the Difcovery of America., before 

Vafco 



Book I. The History ^/"VIRGINIA. 

Vafco de Gama^ by the Command, and in the Service, of 
Emanuel^ Kli'ig o* Portugal^ failed round that Cape to the 
Ea/I-Indies. 

Chrijiopher Columbus^ a Genoefe by Birth, a Perfon of 
great Knowledge and Experience in naval Affairs, of good 
Learning, and a comprehenfive Mind, and being alfo led 
perhaps by the late Difcoveries of the Portuguefe^ was 
ftrongly poflefled with a Notion of fome Lands to the 
Weftward, beyond the great Atlantick Ocean. He there- 
fore firft offered his Service to his native Country, the Re- 
publick of Genoa ; but being reje6ted as a whimfical and 
chimerical Man, he applied himfelf to King John IL of 
Portugal^ Henry VIL of England^ and to Ferdinand and 
Ifabel^ f^ing and Queen of Cajiile. Many Years being 
fpent in fruitlefs Sollicitations, and after much Vexation and 
Difappointment, he was at laft entertained in the Service of 
the King and Queen of Cajiile^ and fent upon the Difco- 
very, which he happily effedled the nth of OSiober 1492. 
After this, Cohanbus^ being animated with a publick Spirit 
and a generous Principle of Glory, and the Spaniards^ be- 
ing as eagerly puflied on by an infatiable Thirft of Gold, 
fo ardently purfued, and fo fuccefsfully improved this firft 
Diicovery, that they foon became Mafters of vafl Trails 
of rich and fertile Country abounding in Gold, Silver, 
Pearls, Emeralds, and many other the mofl precious and 
delicious Products of this Globe. The Portuguefe likewife, 
altho' fufficiently loaded and embarraffed with their vafl 
Acquifitions on the Coafl of Africa and in the Ea/i-Indies^ 
yet nev^erthelefs found the Means and Opportunity to make 
good their great Difcovery of Brazil. Neither were the 
French entirely idle ; but they made many vigorous Efforts 
towards gaining a Share of the Riches and Territory of this 
new World. 

The EngliJJo in the mean time, a maritime Nation, of 
great Bravery, and of a bold and adventurous Nature, lay 
quite negligent and fupine, and let flip all Opportunities in 
thofe early Times of acquiring fome rich and ufeful Pro- 
vinces in Ajnerica. For altho' they had in the Year 1497, 
under Sebajiian Cabot., made the Difcovery of Newfound- 
land., and of the main Continent of A7nerica from 38 to 68 
Degrees of northern Latitude, yet they made no other Ad- 
vantage of this Difcovery, but to fend out a few fifliing 
Barks in common with other Nations of Europe. At length 
Sir Humphry Gilbert., a Gentleman of great Reputation for 
his Skill in naval Affairs, and of a high and refolute Spirit, 
undertook to fettle a Colony in Newfoundland., a cold, bar- 
ren, and unfruitful Soil, and mofl unfriendly Clime. And 
B 2 to 



rhe History of VIRGINIA. Book I. 

to this End, he obtained Letters patent from Queen Eli%a- 

heth^ bearing Date the nth of fune^ 1578. 

These Letters patent granted " free Power and Li- 
berty to him, his Heirs and Afligns for ever, to dif- 
cover, find, fearch out, and view, all fuch remote, 
heathen, and barbarous Lands, Countries, or Territories, 
as were not adually poffefled by any Chriftian Prince or 
People ; and thither to lead and carry with him, to travel 
thitherward, and there inhabit, fuch and fo many of her 
Majefty's Subjeils, as would willingly accompany and 
join in the Enterprife. 

"And that he fhould have, hold, occupy, and enjoy, 
to himfelf, his Heirs and Afligns, for ever, all fuch 
Lands, Countries, and Territories, fo to be difcovered 
or poffeffed, with the Rights, Royalties, and Jurifdic- 
tions, as well marine as other, within the faid Lands 
and Countries, or the Seas thereunto adjoining, with 
full Power to difpofe thereof to her Majefty's Subjects, 
and of any or every Part thereof, in Fee-fimple, or other- 
wife, according to the Laws of England^ as nearly as 
conveniently might be ; paying to the Queen, her Heirs 
and Succeflbrs, for all Services, Duties, and Demands 
whatfoever, the Fifth Part of all the Ore of Gold and 
Silver, which fliould at any time there be gotten ; 
holding all the faid Lands and Countries of her Majef- 
ty, her Heirs, and Succeflbrs, by Homage, and by the 
Payment of the faid Fifth Part, before referved. 
"Moreover granting to him, his Heirs and Affigns, 
for ever. Licence to encounter, expel, repel, and refift 
all Perfon or Perfons whatfoever, that fhould attempt 
to inhabit in the faid Countries, without his fpecial 
Licence and Liking, or within the Space of two Hun- 
dred Leagues of the Place, where he, his Heirs, or Af- 
figns, fhould, within Six Years next enfuing, make 
their Dwelling and Abode; provided the faid Countries 
were not before planted or inhabited, within the aforefaid 
Limits, by the Subje6ts of any ChrilHan Prince, in Amity 
with her Majefty. And giving and granting to him, his 
Heirs and Afligns, for ever, full Power and Authority, 
to take and furprife, by all manner of Means whatfo- 
ever, all and every Perfon and Perfons, with their Ships, 
Veflels, or other Goods and Furniture, that fhould be 
found trafficking within the Limits aforefaid, without 
the Licence of the faid Sir Humphry^ his Heirs, or Af- 
figns ; the Subjects of the Queen's Realms and Domi- 
nions, and all other Perfons in Amity with her, being 
driven thither by Force of Tempeft or Shipwreck, only 
excepted. "And 



Book I. the History of VIRGINIA. 

"And for uniting in more perfe6l League and Amity, 
' fuch Lands and Countries with the Realms of England 
' and Ireland^ and for the better encouragement of thofe, 
' who would engage in the Enterprife, the Queen grants 
' and declares, that the faid Countries, fo to be pofleffed 
' and inhabited, fhould from thenceforth be in the Alle- 
' giance and Protection of her, her Heirs, and Succeflbrs ; 
' and farther grants to the faid Sir Humphry^ his Heirs, 
' and Afligns, and to every other Perfon or Perfons, to 
' their, and every of their Heirs, that they, and every 
' of them, that fhould thereafter be inhabiting in the faid 
' Lands, Countries, and Territories, fliould and might 
' have and enjoy all the Privileges of free Denizens, or 
'Perfons native of England \ ' 2iny Law, Cuftom, or U- 
' fage to the contrary notwithftanding. 

"And fhe farther grants to the faid Sir Humphry^ his 
' Heirs and Afligns, for ever, full Power and Authority, 
' to correct, punifh, pardon, govern and rule, as well in 
' Caules capital or criminal, as civil, all fuch her Subje6ls 
' or others, as fhould adventure themfelves in the faid 
' Voyages, or Ihould at any Time thereafter inhabit the 
' faid Lands, Countries, or Territories, or fhould dwell 
' within two hundred Leagues of the Place or Places, 
' where the faid Humphry^ his Heirs, or Affigns, or any 
' of his or their Allbciates, fhould inhabit within fix Years 
' enfuing the Date thereof ; with Power to conftitute fuch 
' Statutes, Laws, and Ordinances, as fhould by him, the 
' faid Sir Huynphry^ his Heirs, or Afligns, be devifed or 
' eftabliflied, for the better Government of the faid Peo- 
' pie : Provided always, that they fhould be, as near as 
' conveniently might, agreeable to the Laws and Policy 
' of England ; and provided alfo, that they be not againft 
' the true ChrifHan Faith, profelTed in the Church of 
' England^ nor any way tend to withdraw the SubjeCls or 
' People of thofe Lands or Places from the Allegiance of 
' the Queen, her Heirs, or Succeflors. 

"Provided always, and flie thereby declares to all 
' Chriftian Kings, Princes, and States, that if the faid Sir 
' Humphry^ his Heirs, or Afligns, or any other by their 
' Licence or Appointment, fliould at any Time or Times 
' thereafter, rob or fpoil, by Sea or by Land, or do any 
' Ait of unjufl or unlawful Hoflility, to any of the Sub- 
'jedis of England^ or of any other King, Prince, or State, 
' in League or Amity with the Crown of England^ that 
' then, upon fuch Injury, or upon juft Complaint thereof, 
' the Qiieen, her Heirs, or Succeflors, fhould make open 
' Proclamation, within any of the Ports of England com- 
B 3 " modious. 



rZv History of VIRGINIA. Book I. 

" modious, that the faid Sir Humphry^ his Heirs, or Affigns, 
" or any other, to whom thofe Letters patent might ex- 
" tend, fhould, within the Term to be limited in the faid 
" Proclamations, make full Reftitution and Satisfa61:ion for 
" all Injuries fo done : In Default whereof, it fliould be 
" lawful for the Queen, her Heirs, or Succefl'ors, to put 
" the faid Sir Humphry^ his Heirs, or Afligns, with his or 
" their Adherents, and all the Inhabitants of the faid Pla- 
" ces, out of their Allegiance and Prote6lion ; and that 
" from fuch Time as they fliould be fo put out of the Pro- 
" te6i:ion of the Crown of England^ it fliould be free for all 
" Princes and others, to purfue them with Hoftility, as 
" being no longer Subje^ls of England^ nor by the Queen, 
" her Heirs, or Succeffors, any ways to be avowed, main- 
" tained, or defended." 

I N Confequence of thefe ample Powers and Privileges, 
Sir Humphry Gilbert^ with the Conjunilion and Afliftance 
of manv other Gentlemen, prepared to put to Sea with a 
noble Fleet. But juft on the Point of Departure, upon fome 
Difagreement and Diflention, he was deferted by his Aflb- 
ciates, and left with only a few of his firm and faithful 
Friends. With thefe, however, he ventured to Sea, but 
having been expofed to fome Misfortunes, and loft a large 
Ship of his Fleet, he was obliged to return without effe6ting 
any thing. Thefe expenfive and unsuccefsful Preparations 
had fo impaired his Fortune, that it was 1583, before he 
made any farther Attempt. But then having fold his Eftate, 
and being joined by divers Gentlemen of Fortune, he again 
fet Sail with two Ships and three fmall Barks. Coming be- 
fore St. yolni'?, Harbour in Newfoundland., he was refufed 
Entrance by the fiftiing Veffels within, to the Number of 
thirty-fix Sail, of all Nations. He therefore prepared to 
make his Way good by P^orce of Arms ; but firft fent his 
Boat in to inform them, that he had a Commiflion from 
the Queen, to take Poffeffion of thofe Lands for the Crown 
of England. Queen Eli%abeth''S, Name was reverenced 
through all Europe., and her Power and Authority at Sea, in 
particular, much honoured and revered. Thefe Fiftiing- 
Barks therefore readily fubmitted, and even made a Contri- 
bution of Provifions to fupply the Wants of this fmall 
Fleet. 

After this. Sir Hutnphry went afliore, being conduct- 
ed by all the Englijh there ; and having caufed a Tent to 
be fet up in View of the Bay and Veffels, being attended 
by his Captains, Mafters, Gentlemen, and Soldiers, he 
fummoned all the Merchants and Mafters, both Englijh and 
Foreigners, to be prefent at his taking a formal and folemn 

Poffeflion 



Book I. "The History of VIRGINIA. 

Pofleflion of the Country. He then caufed his Commiflion 
to be openly read, 'and to be interpreted to thole who 
were Strangers to the EtigliJJ) Tongue. By Virtue of 
this Commiflion, he declared, that he took Pofleflion of 
the Harbour of St. Johns^ and of the Territory two hun- 
dred Leagues every way, and invefl:ed her Majefty with the 
Title and Dignity thereof. And having had a Twig and a 
Turf of the Soil delivered to him, he entered Pofl^eflion alfo 
for himfelf, his Heirs, or Afligns, for ever. He further 
fignified to thofe prefent, and through them to all Men, 
that, from thenceforward, they fliould look upon thofe Ter- 
ritories as appertaining to the Queen of England^ and upon 
himfelf, as authorifed by her Majefl:y to poflefs and enjoy 
them, with Power to ordain Laws, under which all Peo- 
ple coming thither for the future, either to inhabit or to 
trade, (hould fubmit themfelves and be governed. And to 
exercife his Power and Jurifdiiflion, he enafted three Laws, 
immediately to take Place and be of Force ; and granted di- 
vers Parcels of Land, lying by the Sea Side, as well in the 
Harbour of St. John's^ as elfewhere. 

After fome Excurflons to fearch the Country, and 
the pretended Difcovery of a Silver Mine, with which Sir 
Humphry was much gulled and delighted, they fet Sail to 
the Southward^ in order to explore and difcover the main 
Coafl: of Jmerica. But falling among fome Shoals, and 
meeting with very bad and tempeftuous Weather, after 
having undergone much Danger and Fatigue, they refolved 
to return for England. Sir Htmiphry^ the better to fearch 
the Coafl:, and to run up into Creeks and Harbours, had 
gone on board a fmall Bark of ten Tons ; and could not 
afterwards be perfuaded to leave her in their Return home- 
wards, till her Lights were fuddenly extinguiflied in the 
Night, at which Time flie was fuppofed to flnk, and was 
never after feen or heard of. 

The learned and valiant Mr. Walter Ralegh was half 
Brother to Sir Humphry Gilbert ; his Father having married 
Sir Humphry's Mother, when a Widow, and had by her 
this his fourth and youngeft Son, with fome other Children. 
Led by this near Relation, and being alfo a Perfon of a noble 
and enterprifing Genius, he had been one of the principal 
Adventurers in this Undertaking of Sir Humphry., and had 
fitted out, entirely at his own Charge, the largell Ship of 
his Fleet, called the Ralegh Bark. Some Authors fay, he 
went himfelf upon the Expedition, and commanded his own 
Ship in Perfon. But however that might be, it is certain, 
this Ship was, within a few Days, obliged to put back to Pli- 
-mouth., greatly diftrefled by a violent and contagious Sick- 
B 4 nefs 



The History of VIRGINIA. Book I. 

nefs among her Company. But notwithftanding this Dif- 
' appointment, and the unhappy End of his rafli and unfor- 
tunate Brother, Mr. Ralegh was not difcouraged ; but being 
moved with the Voyages and Relations of others, he flill 
perfifted in the Defign of difcovering and making a Settle- 
ment in America. He therefore obtained Letters patent 
from Queen EH-zabeth^ of whom he was at that Time one 
of the chief Favourites, bearing Date the 25th of March., 
1584, for difcovering and planting any fuch Lands and 
Countries, as were not already in the a6tual pofleilion of 
any Chriftian Nation. Thefe Letters patent are in Hack- 
luyf?, Collection of Voyages ; but that Book is fo very rare, 
that our Country does not afford one Copy of it, at leaft 
that I could find out or procure. I have not therefore been 
able to obtain a Sight of thefe Patents ; but we are told, 
that they were, mutatis mutandis., the very fame with thofe 
granted to Sir Humphry Gilbert ; of which I have therefore 
before given a particular Extraft. 

About the fame Time, the Queen granted Mr. Ralegh 
another Patent, to licence the Vending of Wine throughout 
the Kingdom ; which was defigned, as it has been fuppofed, 
to enable him by the Profits, that would thence arife, to 
fuflain the vaft Charges which this Undertaking of a Colo- 
ny would neceflarily bring upon him. But yet the better 
to ftrengthen himfelf, and carry on the Affair, he perfua- 
ded divers other Gentlemen and Merchants to join with 
him ; particularly his noble and gallant Kinfman, Sir Rich- 
ard Greenvil., and Mr. William Sanderfon., who had mar- 
ried his Neice, and was much engaged among the Merchant 
Adventurers of that Time ; and was alfo one of the Queen's 
Commiffioners for the SpaniJJ) Prizes, and of Note for the 
great Globes, which, by his Encouragement, were firfl 
brought to Perfection. They therefore, with all conve- 
nient Speed, provided two fmall Vellels, and having plenti- 
fully furniflied them with Neceffaries, put them under the 
Command of Captain Philip Amidas., and Captain Arthur 
Barloiu ; which laft was alfo a Land-Offtcer, and had ferved 
under Mr. Ralegh in the Wars of Ireland., with great Bra- 
very and Honour. But Mr. Ralegh., being hindered by his 
Employments, and too bufily engaged in his ambitious Pur- 
fuits at Court, did not come himfelf upon the Expedition, 
as hath been generally, tho' erroneoufly, thought. 

On the 27th of April., 1584, thefe Adventurers fet Sail 
from the Thames ; and having pafled by the Canaries and 
the Wejl-Indies., (a Circuit both needlefs and unhealthy, 
but through the Inexperience of thofe Times thought ne- 
ceffary ) they fell in, on the 2d of July., with the Coafl: of 

Florida. 



T^ook I. Tic History of VIRGINIA. 9 

Flo7-ida. For that was the Name which all this Northern 1584- 
Continent from Cape Florida then bore, there being yet no ^— ^^ — -^ 
diftin6l Settlements, which gave particular Names to the 
feveral Places along the Coaft. They were met at Sea 
with a moft delicate and delightful Smell ; and foon after 
making the Land, they coafted it along for about an hun- 
dred and twenty Miles, without finding any convenient 
Harbour. The firft they faw, they entered with much 
Difficulty ; and having returned Thanks to God, they went 
afhore to view the Country, and to take Pofleffion of it in 
the Qiieen's Name. The Place of their firft Landing was 
a low and fandy Beach ; but it yielded fuch a Vv'onderful 
Abundance of Grapes, as very much furprifed and delighted 
them. Every little Shrub was covered with them, and the 
Tops of the talleft Cedars were over-run and loaded with 
their Clufters. 

They concluded, that the Place of their Landing was on 
the main Continent of America ; but going up to the Top 
of a fmall Eminence at a little Diftance from the Shore, 
they perceived it to be an Ifland, of about twenty, or as Mr. 
Hariot judged, of fifteen Miles in Length, and fix in Breadth. 
This Ifland was called JVococon^ and lay between Cape Hat- 
ter as 2.\-\ A. Cape Fear\ and muft therefore be the Ifland of 
Ocacock^ or at leaft- fome of the other fmall Iflands along 
that Coaft. For it cannot be, by TFith and Hariofs. Plan, 
Roanoke^ or any other of thofe which befet and ftop up the 
Mouth of Albemarle Sound, in North-Carolina^ as has been 
commonly fuppofed. It was covered with tall and ftately 
Trees, Cedars, Pines, Cyprefs, Saflafras, and many others 
of excellent Smell and Quality ; and abounded in Deer, Co- 
nies, and Wild-fowl, in incredible Numbers. 

They faw none of the Natives, 'till the third Day after 
their Landing, when they fpied three in a Canoe. One of 
them went afliore, and waited without any Signs of Fear, 
till the Englijh rowed to him. He fpoke much to them in 
his own Language, and then went boldly aboard their Vef- 
fels. They gave him a Shirt, a Hat, Wine, and Meat, 
with which he was much pleafed. Having attentively 
viewed every thing, he went away ; and within half an 
Hour he had loaded his Canoe with Fifli, which he brought 
and divided between the Ship and the Bark. 

The next Day feveral Canoes came, and in one of them 
the King's Brother. His Name was Grangana?neo ; the 
King was called Wingina^ and^ the Country fVingandacoa. 
The King himfelf at that Time lay, at his chief Town, ill 
of the Wounds which he had lately received in a Battle. 
Granganameo^ leaving his Canoes at fome Diftance, went 
4 to 




r/v History of VIRGINIA. Book I. 

to the Point of Land wtiere the EngliJ]) had gone to the 
Indian the Day before. I Having fpread a Mat, he fat down 
upon it ; and when the EngliJJ) came to him well armed, 
he fhewed no Fear ; but made Signs to them to fit down, 
ftroaking his own Head and Breaft, and then theirs, to ex- 
prefs his Love. The Natives were a proper, well-propor- 
tioned People, very civil in their Behaviour, and highly re- 
fpecStful to Granganafneo. For none of them fat down, or 
fpoke a Word in his Prefence, except four ; on whom the 
EngUfh alfo beflowed Prefents. But Grangana7neo took 
them all from them, and made Signs, that every thing be- 
longed to him. After fome fmall Traffick, he went away; 
but returning in two Days, he eat and drank very merrily 
with them. Not long after, he brought his Wife and 
Children on board. They were of mean Stature, but well- 
favoured, and very bafhful and modeft. His Wife had a 
Band of white Coral about her Forehead, and Bracelets of 
Pearl in her Ears, hanging down to her Middle, of the 
Bignefs of large Peafe. As to the reft, they were decked 
with red Copper, and fuch Ornaments, as are at prefent in 
Fafhion and Efteem among our Indians. J 

After this, there came down, from all Parts, great 
Numbers of People, with Leather, Coral, and divers Kinds 
of Dyes. But when Granganameo was prefent, none durft 
trade but himfelf, and thofe, who wore red Copper on their 
Heads, as he did. He would have engaged a Bag of Pearl 
for a Suit of Armour ; but the Englijh refufed, as not re- 
garding it, that they might thereby the better learn, where 
it grew. He was very juft to his Promife, for they often 
trufted him, and he never failed to come within his Day to 
keep his Word. He commonly fent the EngUJh every Day 
a Brace of Bucks, Conies, Hares, and Fifli ; and fometimes 
Melons, Walnuts, Cucumers, Peafe, and divers Kinds of 
Roots. And the Englijh^ to try the Strength and Goodnefs 
of the Soil, put fome of their Peafe into the Ground, which 
grew wonderfully, and were found in ten Days time four- 
teen Inches high. 

A N Acquaintance being thus contracted by mutual Re- 
turns of Kindnefs and Beneficence, Captain Amidas^ with 
feven more, ventured up the River Occam.^ as they call it, 
which muft be Pamptico Sound. The next Evening they 
came to the Ifle of Roanoke., at the Mouth of Albemarle 
Sound, about feven Leagues, as they fay, from the Har- 
bour, where they firft entered. But this is a grofs Miftake, 
and muft be an Error in the Copy. For by the Scale in 
IVith's Map, it cannot be lefs than thirty Leagues, from 
JFococon to Roanoke. On this Ifland they found a fmall 

Town, 



Book I. r/je History of VIRGINIA. ii 

Town, confiding of nine Houfes ; in one of which Gran- ^S^4- 

gana?neo Yived. He was abfent ; but his Wife entertained ^"—~^r^ ' 

them with wonderful Courtefy and Kindnefs. She made 
fome of her People draw their Boat up, to prevent it's be- 
ing injured by the Beating of the Surge ; fome ihe ordered 
to bring them afhore on their Backs ; and others, to carry 
their Oars to the Houfe, for Fear of being ftole. When 
they came into the Houfe, (he took off their Cloaths and 
Stockings, and waflied them, as likewife their Feet in warm 
Water. When their Dinner was ready, they were con- 
duced into an inner Room (for there were five in the Houfe, 
divided by Mats) where they found Ho?niny''\ boiled Veni- 
fon, and roafted Fifli ; and as a Defert, Melons, boiled 
Roots, and Fruits of various Sorts. While they were at 
Meat, two or three of her Men came in with their Bows 
and Arrows, which made the EngliJI) take to their Arms. 
But flie, perceiving their Diftruft, ordered their Bows and 
Arrows to be broken, and themfelves to be beaten out of 
the Gate. In the Evening the EngliJJj returned to their 
Boat ; and putting a little off from Shore, lay at Anchor. 
At which fhe was much concerned, and brought their Sup- 
per, half boiled. Pots and all to the Shore Side ; and feeing 
their Jealouiy, fhe ordered feveral Men, and thirty Wo- 
men, to fit all Night upon the Shore, as a Guard ; and fent 
five Mats to cover them from the Weather. In fhort, die 
omitted nothing, that the moft generous Hofpitality and 
hearty Defire of pleafing could do, to entertain them. 

And this was the fartheil: Difcovery made upon this firft 
Vovage, except fome confufed and uncertain Accounts of 
the Country, which they gathered from the Indians. They 
returned to England about the Middle of September^ carry- 
ing with them two of the Natives, Manteo and IVanchefe \ 
and their Difcovery was fo welcome there, that the Queen 
herfelf was pleafed to name the Country Virginia,, in 
Memory of it's having been firft found out in the Reign of 
a Virgin Queen. Or as fome have been pleafed to glofs 
and interpret it, becaufe it ftill feemed to retain the Virgin 
Purity and Plenty of the firft Creation, and the People their 
primitive Innocency of Life and Manners. And foon after 
their Return, Mr. Ralegh was eledled, together with Sir 
JVilUam Courtenay^ Knight of the Shire for the County of 
Devon. On the 14th of December., he caufed a Bill to be 
brought into the Houfe, to confirm his Patent for difcover- 
ing foreign Countries ; which being committed to Mr. Vice- 
Chamberlain Hatton.^ Secretary lFallingha?n^ Sir Philip 

Sidney.^ 

* A Food made of" Indian Corn, or Maize, beaten and carefully huflted, 
fomething like Furmety in England; and is an excellent Dilh various Ways. 



12 • 'The History r/ VIRGINIA. Book I. 

1584- Sidney^ Sir Francis Drake^ Sir Richard Greenvil^ Sir IVil- 
' \^ 'Ham Courtenay^ and others, it was in a few Days pafled, af- 
ter many Arguments and a Provifo added. And not long 
after, the Queen was pleafed to Knight him, upon Occa- 
fion, it is faid, of this grateful Difcovery. But Mr, Oj- 
horne^ an ingenious Obferver on her Reign, fays with Re- 
fpe£t to Sir Francis Vere^ a Man nobly defcended, and Sir 
Walter Ralegh^ exadly qualified, that they, with fuch o- 
thers, were fet apart in her Judgment for military Services. 
Neither did (he ever raife them above Knighthood ; faying, 
when follicited to make Vere a Baron, That in his proper 
Sphere, and her Eftimation, he was above it already. 

1585- The advantageous Accounts, which thefe firft Adven- 
turers gave of the Fertility, Pleafantnefs, and Wholefome- 
nefs of the Country, induced Sir Richard Greenvil himfelf 
to make a Voyage thither the next Year. And he accord- 
ingly fet out from Plunoiith the 9th of April^ with {^\^\\ 
Ships. Having made the ufual Circuit of the Canaries and 
Wejl-Indies^ where they took two rich Spanifi Prizes, and 
forced a profitable Trade, they fell in with the Continent 
of Jmerica near Cape Fear^ and were in great Danger of 
being loft upon it. But having happily efcaped, they came 
to an Anchor off the Ifland of Wococon the 26th of May. 
They immediately fent to the Ifle of Roanoke., to Wingina 
the king -, and Mr. Arundel went to the Main, with Mayi- 
teo., who proved throughout their whole Stay, very faithful 
and ufeful to them. Soon after, the General, Sir Richard 
Greenvil., went himfelf to the Main, with a fele6l Body of 
Men; and ranging about, difcovered feveral Indian ^To\NWi. 
At one of them the Indians ftole a Silver Cup ; for which 
they burnt their Town, and deftroyed their Corn, and fo 
returned to their Ships at Wococon. At Hatter as., whither 
they went foon after, Granganatneo., the King's Brother, 
came aboard the Admiral with Manteo. This is the laft 
Vifit he made to the Fnglijl:) ; for fometime this Year he 
died, and in him they loft a fincere and hearty Friend. 

S I R Richard Greeyivil., having only made that fmall Ex- 
curfion on the Continent, returned to England this Sum- 
mer. In his Way home, he took another Spanijlo Prize, of 
three hundred Tons, richly laden, and with her arrived at 
Plumuth the i8th of September. But he left behind him 
an hundred and eight Perfons, as a Colony, to keep Poffef- 
fion of, and inhabit the Country. Of thefe he conftituted 
Mr. Ralph Lane Governor, a military Man of Note, who 
was afterwards Knighted, and applying himfelf to the Sea 
Service, was of eminent Command in the Englijh Navy. 
With him remained Captain Philip J?nidas., as Admiral, 

- one 



Book I. rhc History of VIRGINIA. 

one of the Commanders in Chief in the fiift Adventure ; 
Mr. Thomas Harlot \ Captain Stafford; Mr. Kendal; with '^ 
feveral others of Name in the Expedition. 

This Colony chofe Roanoke^ an Ifland at the Mouth of 
Albemarle Sound, for the Place of their Habitation ; and 
their chief Employment was to reconnoitre and view the 
Country. Their fartheft Difcovery to the Southward was 
Secotan^ an Indian Town, by their Reckoning, eighty 
Leagues from Roanoke^ lying up between the Rivers Pamp- 
ticoe and Neus^ in North-Carolina. To the Northward they 
went an hundred and thirty Miles to the Chefapeakes., a 
Nation of Indians., feated on a fmall River, to the South of 
our Bay, now called Elfaheth River, from whom, as thefe 
firft Difcoverers tell us, the Bay itfelf took its Name. But 
fome pretend to give another Derivation of this Word ; and 
fay, that Chefapeake fignified, in the Indian Language, The 
Mother of Waters; implying, that it was the Parent and 
grand Refervoir of all the great Rivers within it. But this 
is a dark and uncertain Guefs ; efpecially confidering the 
Unftablenefs and vaft Mutability of the Indian Tongues, 
and that no body at prefent can pretend to underfland their 
Language at that time. The beft Authority that I have 
met with for this Derivation, is what a Gentleman of Cre- 
dit once afl'ured me, that in a a very old Spanijl) Map, 
which he had feen, our Bay was laid down under the Name 
of Madre des Jcquas., or fome Expreffion to the like Pur- 
pofe. This Town of the Chefapeakes., we are told, for 
Pleafantnefs of Situation, for Temperature of Clime, Fer- 
tility of Soil, and Commodioufnefs to the Sea, was not to 
be excelled by any in the World. To the Northiveji., thefe 
Difcoverers went up Albemarle Sound and Chotuan River, 
an hundred and thirty Miles, to a Nation of Indians called 
the Chaiuonocks., inhabiting above the Eork of that River, 
where one Branch takes the Name of Meherrin., and the 
other of Nottoiuay. 

The King of the Chaiuonocks., whofe Name was Me- 
natonon., was lame, but the moft fenfible and underftanding 
Indian they had met with. He amufed Mr. Lane and his 
Company with a Story of a Copper Mine, and of a Pearl 
Fifhery, which by the Defcription was fome where upon 
our Coaft, and with a ftrange Relation of the Head of the 
River Moratuc., now called Roanoke. This River was de- 
fcribed, as fpringing out of a Rock, fo nigh the Sea, that 
in high Winds the Surge beat over into the Spring. And 
the EngliJJ) very fanguinely concluded this Sea to be either 
the Bay of Mexico., or the South Sea, or at leaft fome Arm 
that opened into it. Having their Heads filled with thefe 

chimerical 



[4 "The History of VIRGINIA. Book I. 

'SSs- chimerical Fancies, they formed many Schemes, and un- 

< — -' dertook a very fatiguing and hazardous Voyage up that 

River. And fo eager were they, and refolutely bent upon 
this golden Difcovery, that they could not be perfuaded to 
return, as long as they had one Pint of Corn a Man left, 
and two MalTif Dogs, which being boiled with Saffafras 
Leaves, might afford them fome Suftenance in their Way 
back. But after fome Days fpent in vain, and having un- 
dergone much Mifery and Danger, they at laft returned, and 
joyfully arrived at their old Habitation on Roanoke Ifland. 

The Death of Granganameo had caufed a great Altera- 
tion in the Affairs of the Colony. For whilft he lived, his 
Credit with the King, joined to the Intereft of Enfenore^ 
their Father, had reftrained his Perfidy and Malice, and 
kept him within Bounds. But upon the Death of Granga- 
nameo^ he changed his Name from Wingina to Pemijfapan^ 
and became a fecret but bitter Enemy to the Englijh. To 
his Machinations chiefly were owing the many Hardfliiips 
and Dangers, they had encountered in their laft Journey up 
the River Choivan. For he had given fecret Intelligence to 
thofe Indians of the coming of the EngUJh ; and had craf- 
tily infituated Jealoufies into the Indians of the EngliJJ)^ and 
into the EngUfh of the Indians. But a Rumour being fpread, 
that Mr. Lane and his Company were all either flain or 
ftarved in this Journey, he began to a6l more openly. He 
blafphemed the God of the EngUJJj^ and endeavoured, by 
all the Devices he could, to hurt and annoy them. And 
Enfenore., his aged Father, the beft Friend the EngUflo had 
left after the Death of Granganatneo^ loft all his Credit to 
aflift or ferve them. But their Return foon after, and their 
bringing the Son of Menatonon., their greateft King, Pri- 
foner, joined to the Teftimonies of Alanteo., and three other 
Indians^ that went with them, how little they valued any 
People they met, or feared Hunger, Death, or any thing 
elfe, reftrained his Devices for the prefent, and brought Enfe- 
nore again into Credit and Efteem. 

1586. Soon after, Menatonon^ King of the Chaivonocks^ fent 

a Prefent of Pearl to Mr. Lane \ and Okifco^ King of Weo- 
pomeoke.^ (another powerful Nation, pofleffing all that 
Country from Albemarle Sound and Choivan River, quite 
to the Chefapeakes and our Bay) came himfelf, with twenty 
four of his principal Men, to own Subje6lion to the Qiieen 
of England. All which fo wrought on the Heart of IVin- 
gina^ that by Enfenore''s Perfuafions, they came and made 
Weirs for the EngliJJ)., when they were ready to famifli, 
and planted their Fields of Corn, which they intended to 
abandon. But this good Intelligence was foon broke off" by 

the 



Book I. The History ?/^ VIRGINIA. i 

the Death of Enfemre^ which happened on the 20th of A- 15^6. 

pril. For Wingina^ under Pretence of folemnizing his Fa- " v — 

ther's Funeral, had laid a Scheme of drawing together fix- 
teen or eighteen hundred Indians^ and of cutting off all the 
Engliflo at once. But his Defign took Wind, and was at 
laft fully difcovered to Mr. Lane by his Prifoner Skico^ f^ing 
Menatonon''% Son. Then the Englijh^ in their Turn, en- 
deavoured to feize all the Canoes upon Roanoke^ and there- 
by to have all the Indians in the Ifland at their Mercy. But 
they took the Alarm, and after a fmall Skirmifli, in which 
five or fix Indians were flain, the reft efcaped and fled into 
the Woods. After this, neither Side cared much for trull- 
ing the other ; and at laft, after much Tricking and Difli- 
mulation on both Parts, Wingina was entrapped by the 
EngliJ}}^ and flain, with eight of his chief Men. This is 
the Account of that A6tion, as it is delivered by the Per- 
fons concerned in it. But I find, that Mr. Hariot^ who 
was likewife upon the Spot, blames the Violence and For- 
wardnefs of the EngHJJ) ; and thinks, that the Caufes of 
Sufpicion and Refentment had been better diffembled and 
paffed over. 

I N the Time of thefe Confufions and Broils with the In- 
dians^ Mr. Lane had been obliged, through Want of Pro- 
vifions, to fend Captain Stafford^ with twenty more, to 
Croatan^ on the South Part of Cape Look-out^ to fliift for 
themfelves, and to fee, if they could fpy any Sail pafs by 
the Coaft. In like Manner he detached Mr. Prideaux^ 
with ten, to Hatteras^ upon the fame Defign ; and other 
fmall Parties he fent to the Main, to live upon Roots and 
Oyfters. Seven Days after the Death of IVingina^ Cap- 
tain Stafford^ (who through the whole Voyage was very 
vigilant and induftrious, and fpared no Labour or Danger, 
to perform any ferious and important Service, committed to 
him) fent Mr. Lane Word, that he defcried twenty three 
Sail of Ships ; and the next Day, he came himfelf with a 
Letter from Sir Francis Drake. Sir Francis was then re- 
turning from an Expedition againft the Spaniards in the 
JVeJi-Indies^ where he had taken Carthagena^ and the Ca- 
pital City of Hifpaniola ; and had burnt St. Jnthony^ and 
St. Helena^ on the Coaft of Florida ; and done much other 
Damage to the Enemy. He had Orders from the Queen 
to vifit the Colony of Virginia in his Return, and to afford 
them fuch Ailiftance and Encouragement, as was proper. 
He therefore offered to fupply their Wants, and to do any 
thing elfe in his Power, towards their Relief and the Fur- 
therance of the Undertaking ; and after mature Delibera- 
tion, he appointed them a Ship of feventy Tons, with an 

hundred 



i6 "The History of VIRGINIA. Book I. 

1586. hundred Men, and four Months Provifions, befides two 

■.■ ' Barks and four fmall Boats, with able Mafters and fufficient 

Gangs. But juft as all was ready, there arofe fuch a Storm, 
as had like to have driven the whole Fleet afhore. Many 
Ships were forced out to Sea, among which was that lately 
given to the Colony, with all their Provifions and Compa- 
ny aboard. 

This Accident did not difcourage the Admiral, but he 
allotted them another Ship of an hundred and feventy Tons, 
with all Provifions as before, to carry them to England the 
next JuguJI^ or when they fliould have made fuch Difco- 
veries as they thought fufficient. But their Harbour, which 
was very indifferent, would not receive a Ship of her Bur- 
then ; and to lie in the open Road, expofed to the Winds 
and Sea, was very dangerous. And therefore, after Con- 
fultation, it was unanimoufly agreed, to defire the Admiral 
to take them home with him in his Fleet ; for they had al- 
ready undergone much Mifery and Danger, and there ap- 
peared but little Hopes of Sir Richard Greenvil's, Return. 
And fo this firft Attempt towards a Settlement became a- 
bortive, and they all arrived fafe at Portfmouth the latt-er 
End of yw/y, 1586. But in his Way home, Sir Francis 
Drake touched on the Coaft of Neiu-England; where he 
landed, and fpent two or three Days in trading with the 
Natives, and one of the Indian Kings came, and fubmitted 
himfelf to Qiieen Elizabeth. 
I Upon this Voyage, Sir Walter Ralegh.^ by the Queen's 
Advice and Dire6lions, fent, at no fmall Expence, Mr. 
yohn With^ a fkilful and ingenious Painter, to take the Si- 
tuation of the Country, and to paint, from the Life, the 
Figures and Habits of the Natives, their Way of Living, 
and their feveral Fafliions, Modes, and Superftitions ; which 
he did with great Beauty and Exailnefs. There was one 
Theodore de Bry., who afterwards publifhed, in the Year 
1624, the beautiful Latin Edition of Voyages, in fix Vo- 
lumes, Folio^ a moft curious and valuable Work. He be- 
ing in England foon after, by the Means of the Rev. Mr. 
Richard Hackluyt^ then of ChrijV s- Church., in Oxford., who, 
De Bry tells us, had himfelf feen the Country, obtained 
from Mr. JFith a Sight of thefe Pieces, with Permiflion to 
take them -off in Copper Plates. Thefe, being very lively 
and well done, he carried to Frankfort., on the Maine., 
where he publifhed a noble Edition of them, with Latin 
Explanations, out of fohn TVechelius''% Prefs,^ jn the Year 
1590. And thefe are the Originals from which Mr. Bever- 
ley's,^ and the Cuts of many of our late Writers and Tra- 
vellers, have been chiefly imitated. And to fliew, that the 

Inhabitants 



Book I. rZv History ^/VIRGINIA. 

Inhabitants of England were once as wild and barbarous as 
thefe of Virginia^ Mr. With gave him the Figures of three 
of the Pl^s and two of their Neighbours, that he had 
found delineated in an old Englijh Hiftory •, which were 
accordingly publifhed with them, and was no mean or im- 
politic Device, to recommend the Profecution of the En- 
tcrprife to the Engl'iJ}) Nation. | 

But befides this Painter, Sir Walter fent upon this 
Voyage a Domeftick of his, one Mr. 'Thomas Harlot^ a 
Mathematician, and highlv in his Patron's Intimacy and 
Friendftiip. He was a Man of Learning, and a very ob- 
ferving and underftanding Perfon, and went chiefly to make 
Obfervations on the Situation of the Country, and to aflift 
Mr. With in the Plan. After his Return, to obviate the 
clamorous and unjuft Reports of fome of the Company, he 
publiflied a fmall Treatife concerning the Country, divided 
into three Parts. The firft: treats of fuch Commodities, as 
would be ufeful towards the Improvement of Commerce ; 
the fecond, of thofe natural Products of the Earth, and of 
fuch Fifli, Fowl, and Beafts, as would contribute to the 
Suftenance of Man, and the Support of hu^man Life ; and the 
third, of the Trees and Timber, and other proper Mate- 
rials for building Houfes, Ships, and the like. After which 
he fubjoins the following Account of the Do6lrines and 
Manners of the Natives. 

They believed, that there is one chief God, who hath 
exifted from all Eternity : That he created the World ; 
but firft made other Gods of a principal Order, to be his 
Inftruments in the Creation and Government thereof : 
That next the Sun, Moon, and Stars were created, as petty 
Gods, and as Inftruments to thofe other Gods of a fupe- 
rior Order : That then the Waters were created, out of 
w^hich were formed all Creatures : That a Woman was 
firft made ; who, by the Congrefs of one of the Gods, con- 
ceived and brought forth Children ; and that thence Man- 
kind had their Beginning. They thought, the Gods were 
all of human Shape, and therefore reprefented them by 
Images, which they placed in their Temples ; and they 
worfhipped, prayed, fung, danced, and made many Offer- 
ings to them. They held the Immortality of the Soul ; 
which after Death, according to it's Works in the Flefti, 
was either carried up to the Tabernacles of the Gods, to 
eternal Happinefs ; or elfe to Popogujfo (a great Pit at the 
furtheft Parts of the Earth, where the Sun fets) into per- 
petual Fire and Torment. And this Do<£lrine they fup- 
ported by the Authority of two Perfons, who, as they pre- 
tended, had rifen from the Dead. 

^ C These 




rhe History tf VIRGINIA. Book I. 
:586. These Opinions were thought to make but flight Im- 
"v~— -^ preilions on their Weroances^ or Kings and Rulers ; or upon 
their Priefts, and other Perfons of Figure among them. 
For that Chriftian Cuftom, for the Great and Eminent to 
free their Confciences from the Shackles of a Creed, and 
exempt their Actions from the unwieldy Clog of Religion 
and Morality, had reached even among thofe wild and fa- 
vage Nations, But thefe Do6lrines had a great Influence 
on the common Sort. They kept them in proper Subjec- 
tion to their Rulers ; and made them very follicitous to ob- 
tain the Blifs, and avoid the Torments of the next Life. 

They were not however fo firm to their own Doc- 
trines, but that they were very open to receive any Inftruc- 
tions from the Englifh. Their Compafles, Perfpe6tive 
Glafl'es, Burning Glafl^es, Clocks, Books, Writing, Guns, 
and other Inftruments and Inventions, fo exceeded their 
Capacities, and amazed them, that they thought them to 
be the Works of Gods rather than Men ; or at leaft, that 
the Gods had taught the Englijh^ how to make them. 
This caufed them to give great Credit to whatever they 
faid concerning God and Religion. And Wingina himfelf 
would often be at Prayers with them ; and when he was 
fick, which, he thought, proceeded from having offended 
the EngUJh and their God, he would fend for fome of them, 
to pray, and be a Means to their God, of his living with 
him after Death ; as alfo did many others. And once, 
when their Corn was much hurt and withered with a long 
Drought, thinking it proceeded from fome Injury done the 
Englifh^ they came to them in Flocks, and begged them 
to pray to their God to preferve their Corn, for which 
they promifed, when it was ripe, to give them a Part. 

And this high Opinion of the Englijh was greatly en- 
creafed, by a marvellous Accident. The Country was that 
Year afflicted with an epidemical Difeafe, which was ob- 
ferved to fall upon none, but thofe Nations, which had en- 
deavoured to injure or betray the Englijh. This wrought 
many extravagant and fuperftitious Opinions, which were 
much confirmed by the Healthinefs of the Englijh Colony. 
Some thought it was the Work of the EngliJ)) God ; and o- 
thers, that they themfelves (hot invifible Bullets from the Place, 
where they dwelt. Others obferving, that the EngliJ]? had 
no Women of their own, nor cared for any of theirs, 
thought they were not born of Women, but were Men of 
an ancient Generation, rifen again to Immortality ; that 
there were more of them ftill in the Air, as yet invifible 
and without Bodies, who would afterwards come, and de- 
ftroy their Generation, and take their Places ; and that 

thefe. 



Book I. "The History of VIRGINIA. 

thefe, by the Entreaty, or out of Love to the EngliJ})^ 
made the People die, as they did, by ihooting invifible Bul- 
lets into them. And their Phyficians, to cover their Ig- 
norance, w^ould make them believe, that they fucked out 
of the Bodies of the Sick Leaden Bullets in the Strings of 
Blood. In {hort, Wingina and others vi^ere fo firmly per- 
fuaded, that it happened through their Means, that when 
any of their ovi'n Enemies had affronted or abufed the En- 
glijh^ they would defire them to make them die in the fame 
Manner. And altho' the Englijh remonftrated to them the 
Unrighteoufnefs of their Requeft, and how difagreeable it 
was to God ; yet becaufe the Effect fell out foon after, 
they would come and return them Thanks in their Way; 
thinking, altho' they had denied them in Words, yet they 
had in Reality fully anfwered their Defire. 
I He likewife tells us of the great Efteem and Veneration, 
"in which the Natives held a Plant, which grew fpontane- 
oufly in the Country, and was by them called Uppowoc^ but 
is now well known by the Name of Tobacco ; derived, it is 
faid, from the Ifland of Tobago^ one of the Caribbees in the 
JVeJi-Indies^ where it grew in vaft Quantities. The Leaves 
of this they cured and dried, and then being rubbed into a 
Sort of Bran and Duft, they put it into Earthen Tubes, 
and drew the Smoke through the Mouth. They thought 
this Plant of fo great Worth and Virtue, that even the 
Gods themfelves were delighted with it. And therefore 
they fometimes made facred Fires, and inllead of a Sacrifice 
threw in this Duft ; and when they were caught in a Tcm- 
peft, they would fprinkle it into the Air and Water. Up- 
on all their new fifhing Nets they would caft fome of it ; 
and when they had efcaped any remarkable Danger, they 
would throw fome of this Duft into the Air, with ftrange 
diftorted Geftures, fometimes ftriking the Earth with their 
Feet, in a Kind of Time and Meafure, fometimes clapping 
their Hands, and throwing them up on high, looking up 
to the Heavens, and uttering barbarous and diflbnant 
Words. 

M R . Harriot alfo, in pafling through their Towns, 
would fhew them the Bible, and explain the Contents : 
That in that Book was taught the true and only God, his 
Omnipotence, the Do6lrine of Salvation by Jefus Chrift, 
and the other principal Heads of our Religion. But he was 
obliged to tell them, that there was no particular Virtue in 
the material Book itfelf, but only in the Do6lrines, which 
it contained. For they paid their Kind of Adoration to the 
Book, by handling, hugging, and kiiling it, and by ap- 
plying it to their Head and Breaft, and ftroking it over the 
other Parts of their Body. ■ C 2 And 




20 rhe History of VIRGINIA. Book I. 

1586. And here, if it were an Imputation worthy of Notice, 

^^^ — V I might tranfiently remark the great Injuftice, done to this 

learned Mathematician and pious Scholar. For as Sir TFal- 
ter Ralegh was afperfed with holding atheiftical Principles, 
fo it has been faid, that he imbibed them from this Mr. 
Harioty whom he retained in his Service with a handfome 
Penfion, to teach him the mathematical Sciences at his lei- 
fure Hours. But an orthodox Divine, Dr. Richard Corbet^ 
afterwards a Bifhop, tells us, that Harioi''=> deep Mine was 
without Drofs. And Mr. George Chapman^ another Con- 
temporary, a grave and virtuous Author, fays. That his 
Judgment and Knowledge in all Kinds were deep and in- 
comparable, and as much to be admired, as his moft blame- 
lefs Life, and the right facred Expence of his Time, were 
to be honoured and reverenced. To which might be added 
other Teftimonies, which have been carefully collefted by 
the diligent and induftrious Mr, Oldys^ in his accurate Life 
of Sir Walter Ralegh^ lately prefixed to his Hiftory of the 
World ; who likewife fhews, that the famous French Phi- 
lofopher, Defcartes^ borrowed much of his Light from this 
excellent Mathematician ; and that the learned Dr. WalUs 
gave the Preference to Hariofs. Improvements, before Def- 
carte's^ altho' he had the Advantage of coming after, and 
being aflifted by him. 

A s to this groundlefs Afperfion, the Truth of it perhaps 
was, that Sir TFalter and Mr. Harlot were the firft, who 
ventured to depart from the beaten Tra6t of the Schools, 
and to throw off and combat fome hoary Follies and tra- 
ditionary Errors, which had been riveted by Age, and ren- 
dered facred and inviolable in the Eyes of weak and preju- 
diced Perfons. Sir Walter is faid to have been firft led to 
this, by the manifeft Dete6lion, from his own Experience, 
of their erroneous Opinions concerning the Torrid Zone ; 
and he intended to have proceeded farther in the Search af- 
ter more folid and important Truths, 'till he was chid and 
reftrained by the Queen, into whom fome Perfons had in- 
fufed a Notion, that fuch Dodrine was againft God. And 
this was fufficient Ground for Men, zealous without Know- 
ledge, and ftifly orthodox, with a Charity ufual to fome (uch 
in all Ages, to brand him with the odious Names of Atheijl 
and Detji ; altho' he was an eminent Aflertor of God and 
Providence, and has in many Parts of his Writings, efpe- 
cially in the Hiftory of the World, given ftronger Evidences 
of his Chriftian Faith, than any of his Detra6lors ever did 
of theirs. 
\ Mr. Lane and his Company carried home fome Tobac- 
co, which, Cambden thinks, was the firft, that ever was 

brought 



Book I. rbe History of VIRGINIA. 

brought to Englajul. And Sir Walter Ralegh^ a Man of 
Gaiety and Fafhion, readily gave into it, and by his In- 
tereft and Example, foon brought it into fuch Vogue at 
Court, that many great Ladies, as well as Noblemen, made 
no Scruple fomtimes to take a Pipe. We are not inform- 
ed, whether the Qiieen made Ufe of it herfelf •, but it is 
certain, fhe gave great Countenance and Encouragement to 
it, as a Vegetable of fingular Strength and Power, which 
might therefore prove of Benefit to Mankind, and Advan- 
tage to the Nation. So far, as Mr. Oldys well obferves, 
was this wife Princefs from the refined Tafle of her Suc- 
cefior, who held Tobacco in fuch Abomination, that he 
not only refufed the Ufe of it himfelf, but endeavoured to 
deftroy and fupprefs it among his Subjefts, and would there- 
by have robbed the Crown of what has fince proved one of 
its nobleft Jewels and moft confiderable Revenues, and the 
Nation of a very advantageous and important Branch of 
Trade. 

Sir Walter Ralegh's Tobacco-Box, with fome of his 
Pipes, was lately extant, and laid up among the Rarities in 
the Mufeum of that curious Antiquarian, the late Mr. 
Ralph 'Thorefby^ of Leech, in Torkjhire. There are alfo 
fome humerous Stories ftill remembred, concerning his firft 
Ufe of Tobacco ; particularly his Wager with the Queen, 
that he would determine exailly the Weight of the Smoke 
which went oft in a Pipe of Tobacco. This he did bv firft 
weighing the Tobacco, and then carefuUv preferving and 
weighing the Afhes ; and the Queen readily granted, that 
what was wanting in the prime Weight, muft be evapora- 
ted in Smoke. And when fhe paid the Wager, ftie 
faid pleafantly, that {he had heard of many Labourers in 
the Fire, that turned their Gold into Smoke, but Ralegh 
was the firft, who had turned his Smoke into Gold. It is 
alfo related, that a Country Servant of his, bringing him a 
Tankard of Ale and Nutmeg into his Study, as he was in- 
tently engaged at his Book, fmoaking a Pipe of Tobacco, 
the Fellow was fo frightened at feeing the Smoke reek out 
of his Mouth, that he threw the Ale into his Face, in or- 
der to extinguifli the Fire, and ran down Stairs, alarming 
the Family, and crying out. His Mailer was on Fire, and 
before they could get up, would be burnt to Afhes. 

But whilft Mr. Lane and the Colony were in the above 
mentioned Streights and Difficulties in America^ Sir Walter 
Ralegh was not idle at home. He provided a Ship of an 
hundred Tons, and loaded her with Plenty of all things 
necefi~ary for the Settlement ; but it being Eajier before fhe 
departed, Mr. Lane and his Company had fliipped them- 

felves 




22 The History of VIRGINIA. Book I. 

1586. felves for England in Sir Francis Drake's Fleet, a i^-w Days 
■ — ""Y-^—' before her Arrival. Having therefore fpent fome Time in 
feeking them up the Country without Effed:, they returned 
that Summer to England^ with all their Provifion. 

Those Authors who will have Sir Walter Ralegh to 
have been in Virginia^ fay, that he came upon this Voyage : 
But the Condu6l of it was fo weak and trifling, that I can- 
not be eafily induced to believe it agreeable to a Perfon of 
his Senfe and Refolution ; who, had he been there, would 
certainly have made fome vigorous Searches and Enquiries, 
and left fome ufeful Remarks on the Country, as he did in 
his Voyage to Guiana. Indeed it does not appear, that Sir 
Walter was ever in his Colony himfelf. The only Authori- 
ty of Weight for it, that I have met with, is the Tranflation 
of Mr. Harlot's Treatife, which mentions the A6lions of 
thofe, qui Generofum D. Walterum Ralegh in earn regionem 
comitati funt. But this, I am inclined to think, muft be 
an Errof of the Tranflator, who feems to have been a 
Frenchman^ and might not therefore perfectly underftand 
our Language ; and I could never yet get a Sight of Ha- 
rlot's original Difcourfe, which was written in Englijh., but 
have been obliged to make Ufe of the Latin Tranflation, 
publiflied by De Bry^ at Frankfort^ 1590- B^it if Mr. 
Hackluyt ever was in Virginia^ as we are exprefly told by 
De Bry., it muft have been, I think, either in this Voyage, 
or that immediately following by Sir Richard Greenvil., of 
which we have fuch brief and fummary Accounts. For it 
is not to be fuppofed, that a Perfon of his Figure and Con- 
fideration, would have been entirely pafl'ed over in the 
full and particular Relations, that we have of all the other 
Voyages. 

About a Fortnight after the Departure of this Ship, 
Sir Richard Greenvil arrived with three Ships more, well 
provided ; but he neither found that Ship, according to 
his Expe6lation, nor could hear any News of the Colony, 
which he himfelf had feated and left there the Year before. 
Therefore, after travelling in vain up and down to feek 
them, finding their Habitation abandoned, and being un- 
willing to lofe the Pofleflion of the Country, he landed fifty 
Men on the Ifland of Roanoke., plentifully furnifhed with 
all Provifions for two Years, and fo returned to England. 

These unlucky Crofles and Accidents gave Occafion 
to many Perfons to difcant on their Proceedings, to the 
Difparagement of Sir Richard Greenvil. But their Cenfure 
was very unjufl:. For to plant Colonies abroad, and to dif- 
fufe and propagate our Nation and our Trade, is certainly 
a moft princely and noble Enterprize, and highly worthy a 

Perfon 




Book I. T/je History of VIRGINIA. 

Perfon of his eminent and illuftrious Family. And indeed 
he feems to have embarked in the Affair with great Hearti- 
nefs and Refolution, and to have hazarded and expofed his 
Perfon very freely in the Profecution of it. And it was upon 
Occafion of theie Murmurs and Reports, that Mr. Hariot 
wrote and publifhed his Difcourfe, before mentioned. 1587 

The next Year, three Ships were fent, under the Com- 
mand of Mr. John JVhite^ who was appointed Governor of 
the Colony, with twelve Afliftants, as a Council. To thefe 
Sir Walter Ralegh gave a Charter, and incorporated them 
by the Name of the Governor and Afliftants of the City of 
Ralegh in Virginia^ with exprefs Directions to feat at Che- 
fapeake ; which, however ufeful and important, they ne- 
verthelefs difobeyed and neglected. Having taken the old 
Route by the We/l -Indies^ they had like to have been caft 
away upon Cape-Fear^ through the Error or Defign of S'l- 
7non Ferdinando. He had been with Captain Amidas in the 
firrt Expedition ; and being made Pilot in this, was fufpeded 
of a Defign to ruin the whole Voyage, But being prevent- 
ed by the Vigilancy of Captain Stafford^ they arrived all 
fafe at Hatteras the 22d of July. 

They went immediately to Roayioke^ to look for the 
fifty Men, left there by Sir Richard Greenvil^ but they 
found nothing but the Bones of a Man ; and where the 
Plantation had been, the Houfes were undeftroyed, but o- 
vergrown with Weeds, and the Fort defaced. They re- 
fitted the Houfes ; and Mr. George Hoiv, one of the Coun- 
cil, ftragling abroad, was (lain by the Indians. Soon after, 
Captain Stafford^ with twenty Men, and Manteo^ who, I 
believe, had been again in England this Voyage, went to 
Croatan., to enquire, if they could hear any News of the 
Colony. There they underftood, that Mr. Hoiu had been 
flain by fome of Wingina\ Men of Dajfamonpeake ; that 
the fifty, left the Year before, had been fuddenly fet upon 
by three hundred Indians., of Secotan., Aquafcogoc, and Daf- 
famonpeake ; that after a fmall Skirmifh, in which one En- 
glijlmian was flain, they retired to the Water Side, and hav- 
ing got their Boat, and taken up four of their Fellows ga- 
thering Crabs and Oyfters, they went to a fmall Ifland by 
Hatteras ; that they ftaid there fome time, but after de- 
parted they knew not whither. And with this Account, 
Captain Stafford returned to the Fleet at Hatteras. 

However, Mr. White endeavoured to renew and keep 
up a good Underftanding with the feveral Nations of Indians 
on the Sea-Coaft. But finding his Offers of Friendfliip not 
much regarded, he refolved no longer to defer his Revenge 
on thofe of DaJfa?nonpeake. This Nation was feated right 
C 4 oppofite 



"The History of VIRGINIA. Book I. 

oppofite to Roanoke Ifland, on the Main, in the Neck of 
'Land, between the River now called Allegator^ and the 
Narrows. About Midnight, Mr. White fet forward, with 
Captain Stajford^ and twenty four Men, whereof Manteo 
was one, who was their Guide, and behaved himfelf as a 
moft faithful EngliJ}:iman. They landed by Break of Day, 
and having got beyond the Town, they afl'aulted fome In- 
dians that were fitting by a Fire. One was (hot through, 
and they hoped to have been fully revenged, but were foon 
undeceived, and found that they were their Friends of Cro- 
atan^ come to gather their Corn, becaufe they underfliood, 
that the Dajfamonpeake Indians had fled after the Death 
of Mr. Hoiu. Manteo^ their Countryman, was grieved at 
the Miftake ; but however, imputed it all to their own 
Folly. And fo having gathered what was ripe, and left 
the reft unfpoiled, they returned to Roanoke. 

On the 13th of Auguji., Manteo^ according to Command 
from Sir Walter Ralegh., was baptized, and ftiled Lord of 
Roanoke and Dajfamonpeake., in Reward of his Fidelity. And 
on the 1 8th, the Governor's Daughter, Wife to Ananias 
Dare., one of the Council, was delivered of a Daughter, 
which, being the firft Child born there, was called Virginia. 
And foon after, there arofe a Difpute between the Gover- 
nor and his Affiftants or Council, concerning a Perfon to 
be fent to England to follicit Supplies. All refufed, except 
one, who was thought very unequal to the Bufinefs. At 
laft, they unanimoufly pitched upon the Governor, as the 
fitteft Perfon ; and having figned a Paper, teftifying his 
Unwillingnefs to leave the Colony, they at length prevailed 
upon him, with much Importunity, to undertake it. Leav- 
ing therefore above an hundred Perfons on one of the Iflands 
of Hatteras., to form a Plantation, he departed, and after 
many Crofles and Difficulties, got iirft to Ireland., and from 
thence went to England. 

At this time, the Nation was in great Commotion and 
Apprehenfion of the Spanijh Invafion and invincible Arma- 
da., as it was vainly called, and the Queen caufed frequent 
Councils to be held, by the oldeft and moft experienced 
Commanders at Sea ; and alfo appointed a Council of War, 
of fuch Perfons as were in higheit Repute for military Skill 
and Knowledge, in order to put the Land Forces of the 
Kingdom in the beft Pofture of Defence. For this Pur- 
pofe were chofen the Lord Grey., Sir Francis Knolles., Sir 
Thomas Leighton., Sir Walter Ralegh., Sir John Norris., Sir 
Richard Greenvil., Sir Richard Bingham., Sir Roger Wil- 
liams., and Ralph Lane., Efq; late Governor of Virginia., 
who were therefore all entirely taken up with thofe impor- 
tant Confultations. How- 



Book I. the History of VIRGINIA. 25 

However, having laid a Plan of Operations, and made 1588. 

proper Difpofitions for the Defence of the Nation, Sir IVal-' v ' 

tcr found Leifure to fit out a fmall Fleet for the Relief of 
the Colony, at Biddeford^ early the next Year, vi^hich was 
put under the Command of Sir Richard Gi-eenvil^ and only 
waited for a fair Wind. But the Alarm of the vaft and for- 
midable Armament, made by the King of Spain^ encreaf- 
ing, all Ships of Force, then in any Readinefs, received 
Orders from the State to ftay in their Harbours, for the 
Defence of their own Country ; and Sir Richard Greenvil 
was perfonally commanded not to depart out of Cornwall^ 
where Sir Walter Ralegh then was himfelf, muftering and 
training the Forces, and performing other Duties of his 
Office, as Lieutenant of that County. However, Gover- 
nor JVh'ite laboured fo ftrenuoufly with them, that he ob- 
tained two fmall Barks, and put to Sea from Biddeford, the 
22d oi Jpril^ 1588. But thefe Veflels, tho' of little Force, 
being more intent on a gainful Voyage, than the Relief of 
the Colony, ran in Chace of Prizes ; till at laft, one of them, 
meeting with two Ships of War, was, after a bloody Fight, 
overcome, boarded, and rifled. In this maimed, ranfacked, 
and ragged Condition, fhe returned to England in a Month's 
Time ; and in about three Weeks after, the other alfo re- 
turned, having perhaps tafted of the fame Fare, at leaft 
without performing her intended Voyage, to the Diftrefs, 
and as it proved, the utter Defi:ru6i:ion of the Colony in 
Virghiia^ and to the great Difpleafure of their Patron at 
home. 

These Difappointments gave much Vexation to Sir 
Walter Ralegh^ who had by this Time expended, as we 
are authenticly allured, not lefs than forty thoufand Pounds, 
upon the Enterprife. He had alfo, not long before, re- 
ceived, as a Reward for his great Services in the Irijl) 
Wars, a very large Grant, out of the Earl of Defmond's 
Lands there ; the Terms of which he fairly and honeftly 
endeavoured to fulfil, by planting thofe Lands with EngliJJ)^ 
and made Ufe of none of the Arts and Frauds, which others 
of thofe Grantees were charged withal. So that this great 
Bounty of the Queen was at prefent rather a Burthen and 
Charge to him, than any real Profit or Advantage. Befides 
which, he was among the foremoll of the military Geniufes 
of that time, who were fired with the Spani^} Invafion, and 
profecuted the War againft them with great Coft and In- 
duftry, and with an incredible Courage and Succefs. For 
all thefe Reafons, Sir Walter Ralegh made an Aflignment, 
by Indenture, bearing Date the 7th of March ^ 1588-9, to 1589. 
'Thomas S?mth^ ( afterwards Sir Thomas Smithy and a Per- 
•^ Ibn 




riie History of VIRGINIA. Book I. 

fon of Note in the Sequel of this Hiftory ) with other Mer- 
chants and Adventurers of London^ and to Governor White^ 
and other Gentlemen, for continuing the Plantation of Vir- 
ginia. By this Indenture, he grants to the faid Thoinas 
Smithy John White^ and the relt, according to a Charter, 
formerly granted for the City of Ralegh^ free Liberty to 
carry to Virginia^ and there inhabit, fuch of her Majefty's 
Subjeits, as would willingly accompany them ; as alfo to 
them, their Heirs, or Affigns, free Trade and Traffick to 
and from Virginia^ or any other Part of America^ where 
the faid Sir Walter., his Heirs, or Afligns, did, or might 
claim any Intereft, Title, or Privilege. And he did far- 
ther, for their Encouragement, and for the common Utility, 
freely and liberally give them one hundred Pounds, to be 
employed for planting the Chriftian Religion in thofe bar- 
barous and heathen Countries. 

And thus Sir Walter Ralegh., having difengaged him- 
felf for the prefent from this burthenfome and expenfive 
Affair, gave a Loofe to his martial Genius, and bent his 
whole Thoughts againft the Spaniards^ which foon became 
the fixed and ruling Pailion of his Nature ; as abafing the 
exorbitant Power of France^ and preventing its ill Confe- 
quences on the Liberties of Europe., did, in later Times, 
engrofs all the Thoughts and Liclinations of King William., 
and was the principal Aim of mofl: of his Steps and Actions. 
And altho' this Comparifon may be thought very une- 
qual with Relation to the Power and Dignity of the two 
Perfons, yet it will, I think, be found juft and exa61: with 
Refpe6t to their Inclinations and Defigns. For no Man of 
that Age was more deeply fenfible of the pernicious Confe- 
quences of the Spanijh Power and Aims, or was more eager 
and afliduous in fpeaking, writing, and a6ling againft them, 
than Sir Walter Ralegh. 
jgo. But thefe new Aflignees were not fo diligent and care- 

ful of the Bufinefs, as they ought to have been. For it was 
a Year after, March., 1589-90, before any thing was un- 
dertaken by them for the Relief of the Colony. Then Mr. 
White., with three Ships, fet Sail from Plitnouth ; and paf- 
fing by the Weji-Indies., they ftaid Ibme time there, to per- 
form fome Exploits, as they call them, which was to at- 
tack and plunder the Spaniards., among whom they got a 
confiderable Booty. On the 3d of Juguji., they fell in with 
fome low fandy Iflands, to the Wejiward oi Wococon. From 
thence they went to Croatan., and fo to Hatteras. There 
they defcried a Smoke, at the Place, where the Colony had 
been left three Years before. The next Morning, they 
difcharged fome Cannon, to give Notice of their Arrival ; 

and 



Book I. r/oe History of VIRGINIA. 27 

and having fitted out two Boats, Captain Cooke and Captain 1590- 

Spicer went aftiore, but found no Man, nor the Sign of' x ' 

any, that had been there lately. The next Day, they 
prepared to go to Roanoke ; but the Wind being hard 
at North-Eaft, one of the Boats, in pafling a Bar, was half 
filled with Water, and the other overfet. Captain Spicer^ 
with fix more, were drowned ; but four, who could fwim 
a little, and did not truft themfelves to their Legs on the 
Shoals, but kept in deep Water, were faved by the Care 
and Dexterity of Captain Cooke in the other Boat, This 
Accident fo difcomfited the Sailors, that they could hardly 
be prevailed upon to make any farther Search for the Colo- 
ny. But indeed, confidering the Shoals and Dangers, with 
their Ignorance and Inexperience of the Coaft, which they 
unfortunately happened upon in this their firft Attempt to- 
wards a Settlement, it is rather to be wondered, that they 
met not with more Accidents and Misfortunes, than they 
really did. 

The Sailors being at length encouraged by the For- 
wardnefs and Readinefs of their Captains, two Boats more 
were fitted out for Hatteras^ with nineteen Men. When 
Mr. White left the Colony three Years before, they talked 
of going fifty Miles up into the Main ; and it had been 
agreed between them, that if they left the Place, where 
they then were, they fhould write the Name of the Place, 
to which they went, on feme Tree, Door, or PofI: ; and 
if they, had been in any Diilrefs, they ftiould fignify it, by 
making a Crofs over it. When they landed therefore, they 
founded a Trumpet, but received no Anfwer ; and going up 
to the Fire, they found, it was nothing but the Grafs and 
fome rotten Trees burning. Then fearching up and down 
the Ifland, they at laft found three fair Roman Letters 
carved, C. R. O. but without any Sign of Diftrefs ; and 
looking farther, they faw CROAT AN, carved in fair 
Capital Letters on one of the chief Pofts, but ftill without 
the Crofs, as a Sign of Dilfrefs. Their Houfes were taken 
down ; and an high Palifado built, after the Manner of a 
Fort. They likewife found, where their Goods had been 
buried ; but many of them had been dug up, and fcattered 
about, and all were fpoiled ; yet Mr. White knew and 
diflinguifhed feveral of his own among them. With this 
joyful Difcovery, as they hoped, of where they were, they 
returned to their Ships ; but had like to have been caft 
away by a violent Storm, that continued all that Night. 

The next Morning, weighing Anchor for Croatan^ 
which was an Indian Town on the South Part of Cape 
Look-out^ one of their Cables broke, and carried off ano- 
ther 



28 rZv History of VIRGINIA. Book I. 

1590- ther Anchor with it. But letting go their third, the Ship 

' Y^^'went fo faft adrift, that (lie was very near ftranding. Dis- 
couraged with thefe Misfortunes, and having but one An- 
chor left, and their Provifions near fpent, they gave over 
all Thoughts of farther Search for the prefent, and deter- 
mined to go to the Weji-Indies^ to winter and refrefh .^them- 
felves (chiefly perhaps with more Spanifi Plunder) and to 
return in the Spring, to feek their Countrymen. But the 
Vice-Admiral was obfl:inately bent upon going direcStly for 
England; and the Wind being contrary, the reft were 
obliged, within two Days, to make for the Wejlern-Ijlands^ 
where they arrived the 23d of September^ 1590, and met 
with many of the Queen's Ships, their own Confort, and 
divers others. But many fufpe6led, that private Intereft 
was the chief Occafion of their Failure in this Undertaking; 
and that the Riches, gotten from the Spaniards in the We/i- 
Indies^ was the true Reafon of their Return, for which the 
Storm only furnifhed them with a colourable Pretext. 
However it ife certain, that the Aflignees made no farther 
Search, nor gave themfelves any other Trouble about the 
Matter ; but thefe poor Souls were bafely deferted by them, 
and left a Prey to the barbarous Savages, neither were they 
ever feen or heard of afterwards. 
1591- The following Year 1591, Sir Richard Greenvil was 

fent, by the Queen, Vice-Admiral to the Lord Thomas 
Howard^ with feven Ships of War, and a {qv^ other fmall 
Veflels, to intercept the Spanifl) Plate-Fleet. At the J- 
zores^ this fmall Squadron was furprifed by fifty three capital 
Ships, purpofely fent from Spain ; and Sir Richard Greenvil^ 
who was unwilling to leave a great Part of his Men, then 
on Shore for Water and other Neceflaries, to the Infolence 
and Barbarity of the Iflanders, ftaid fo long in getting them 
off, that he was hemmed in between the Enemy's Fleet 
and the Ifland of Flores. In this dangerous Situation, he 
fcorned to fhew any Signs of Fear, or to owe his Safety to 
Flight ; but he bravely bore down upon the Enemy, and 
endeavoured to break through them, in which Attempt he 
maintained a gallant and obftinate Fight, with the heft of 
the Spanijl) Ships, for fifteen Hours together. He was at 
once laid aboard by the St. Philips a Ship, of fifteen hundred 
Tons and feventy eight large Pieces of Ordinance, and four 
other of the ftouteft Ships in the Spanijl} Fleet, full of Men, 
in fome two hundred, in fome five hundred, and in others 
eight hundred Soldiers, befides Mariners ; and he never had 
lefs than two large Galleons by his Side, which, from time 
to time, were relieved by frefh Ships, Men, and Ammu- 
nition. Yet he behaved himfelf with fuch uncommon Bra- 
very 



Book I. "The History ^/VIRGINIA. 29 

very and Condu6l, that he difabled fome, funk others, and 1501. 
obliged them all to retire. Neither did he ever leave the"— — -r— -^ 
Deck, tho' wounded in the Beginning of the clofe Fight, 
till he received a dangerous Wound in the Body bv a Mufket 
Bullet. When he went down to have it drefled, he re- 
ceived another Shot in the Head, and his Surgeon was killed 
by his Side. By this time alfo moft of his braveft Men 
were flain, his Ship much difabled, his Deck covered with 
Dead, and Wounded, and fcattered Limbs, and his Powder 
fpent to the very laft Barrel. Yet in this Condition he or- 
dered the Veflel to be funk, but it was prevented by the 
reft of the Officers ; tho' many of the Crew joined with 
him, and the Mafter-Gunner, if he had not been reftrain- 
ed, would have killed himfelf, fooner than fall into the 
Hands of the Spaniards. When the Ship, or rather 
Wreck, was furrendered. Sir Richard was carried on board 
the SpaniJJ) Admiral, where he died within two Days, 
highly admired by the very Enemy, for his extraordinary 
Courage and Refolution. And when he found the Pangs of 
Death approach, he faid to the Officers, that ftood round 
him, in the SpanlJJ) Tongue : Here die /, Richard Green- 
vil, with a joyful and quiet Mind., having ended my Life like 
a true Soldier., that fought for his Country., ^leen., Religion.^ 
and Honour : Thus fumming up, in fhort, all the generous 
Motives, that fire the Brearts of the truly Brave and Great, 
to exert themfelves beyond the common Pitch of Huma- 
nity. 

And fuch was the gallant End of this noble Gentleman, 
who, next to Sir Walter Ralegh., was the principal Perfon 
concerned in this firft Adventure of Firginia. He was a 
Man eminently fitted to ferve his Country, in Peace or 
War, by Land or Sea, and was fo deeply rooted in the At- 
fe6lion and Efteem of his illuftrious Kinfman, Sir [Falter 
Ralegh., that he honoured his Death with a particular Re- 
lation of the Adion by his own excellent Pen, which he 
caufed to be immediately printed the latter End of the fame 
Year 1591, to obviate fome Afperfions, caft upon him by 
fome of the Spaniards. The reft of the Englijh Ships 
having Sea-Room, fought bravely, and did every thing, 
that could be expeiled from valiant Men, whilft they had 
the Advantage of the Wind. The Lord Hoivard was for 
even hazarding the whole Fleet in the Refcue of Sir Richard 
Greenvil., and for charging up to the Place, where he was 
engaged. But he was over-ruled by the other Officers, 
whofe Prudence is commended even by Sir Walter Ralegh \ 
altho' no Perfon can certainly fay, I think, what might 
have been the Event, had fix Ships of War more befidcs 

the 




rbe History of VIRGINIA. Book I. 
the Privateers, fallen upon an Enemy, whom one Ship alone 
had for fo long a time kept in fuch warm A6lion. When 
the Night parted them from the Enemy, they all went ofF 
fafe, and in their Way home took feveral rich Prizes. Sir 
Richard''^ Ship too, the Revenge^ of 500 Tons Burthen, 
and about 20 Iron Guns, made good her Name. For a few 
Days after flie foundered at Sea, and drowned two hundred 
Spaniards^ who had been put aboard to carry her to Spaitj. 

But Sir Walter Ralegh^ being, by the above-mentioned 
Aflignment, eafed in fome Meafure of the Undertaking of 
Virginia^ was foon engaged by his adlive and enterprifing 
Genius in other Adventures and Difcoveries. He contri- 
buted generoufly towards the Difcovery of the North-lVeJl 
Paflage, and other things of the like Nature. But having 
loft his Royal Miftrefs's Favour, by debauching one of her 
Maids of Honour, whom he afterwards married, he under- 
took in Perfon, in the Year 1595, the Voyage and Difco- 
very of Guiana^ a rich Country up the River Oronaque^ in 
South America. After his Return, he wrote a moft excel- 
lent Difcourfe upon his Expedition, in which his chief Aim 
was to engage the Queen and Nation in the Profecution of 
the Enterprife, and Settlement of the Country. But all 
his Reafons were overpowered by the Envy of fome great 
Men to his Perfon and Merit ; and altho' he was reftored 
to the Queen's Favour, yet he could never get any thing 
done to Effe6t in this important and judicious Defign. 
However he never quitted it himfelf, but fent twice imme- 
diately after, to make farther Difcoveries, and to keep up 
the good Difpofitions of the Natives towards the Englijh. 
Even after his Fall, and when he was in the Tower, he 
found Means to continue this Defign ; and his laft Voyage 
thither, after his Releafe, with the fatal Confequences of 
it, is too well known, to need a particular Relation here. 
Neither was he, notwithftanding the Aflignment, negligent 
or forgetful of the Colony, which had been feated in Virgi- 
nia upon his Account, f For he fent five feveral Times, to 
fearch after, and relieve them ; and laft he difpatched 
Samuel Mace., of Weymouth^ in March 1 602. But he, like 
all* the reft, performed nothing, but returned with idle 
Stories and frivolous Allegations. 

However, thefe Efforts of Sir Walter were only in- 
tended to recover and bring off thofe poor People, and no 
ways in Profecution of his firft Defign of fettling a Colo- 
ny. So that all Thoughts of Virginia were abandoned, 
and the Proje6l lay dead for near twelve Years, when it 
was revived by Captain Bartholomew Gojnold., who under- 
took a Voyage thither, and fet Sail from Dartmouth., on 

the 



Book I. r/je History of VIRGINIA. 

the twenty fixth of March 1602, in a fmall Bark, with 
thirty two Men. He kept as far North as the Winds would 
permit, and was the firll that came in a dire6t Courfe to 
jl?nerica. 

On the nth of May^ being about the Latitude of forty 
three, they made Land, on the Coaft of Nevu-England^ as 
it hath been fince called. But as all this Continent bore 
the Name of Florida^ till the Difcovery of the EngliJ}) in 
1584, fo afterwards all that Tra6t of Country, from 34 to 
45 Degrees of Northern Latitude, was called Virginia^ till 
from different Settlements it got different Names. The 
Land was low ; the Shore white Sand, and rocky, yet over- 
grown with fair and ftately Trees. Coming to an Anchor, 
eight Indians^ in a Shallop, with Maft and Sail, came boldly 
on board them. By their Signs, and by the Shallop and 
other things, which they had, they judged, that fome Bif- 
cayneers had been fifhing there. But finding no good Har- 
bour, they weighed, and flood to the Southward into the 
Sea. The next Morning, they found themfelves embayed 
with a mighty Head-land ; and going to the neighbouring 
Hills, they perceived it to be Part of the Continent, almolt 
environed with Iflands. Here, in a itvf Hours, they caught 
more Cod, then they knew, what to do with ; from whence 
the Place obtained the Name of Cape-Cod. And they thence 
alfo concluded, that a good Fifhery might be found there, 
in the Months of March., April^ and May. 

Soon after they went to the Iflands, and anchored near 
one of them. They found it four Miles in Compafs, with- 
out Houfe or Inhabitant. In it was a Lake, near a Mile in 
Circuit ; and the reft fo overgrown with Vines, which co- 
vered all the Trees and Buflies, that they could fcarce pafs 
through them. They likewife found Plenty of Strawber- 
ries, Rafberries, Goofberries, and divers other Fruits in 
Bloom, and therefore called the Ifland Martha\ Vineyard. 
They then vifited the reft of the Hies, and found them re- 
pleniflied with the like Produ6ls. One they named Eliza- 
beth's Ijland^ in Honour to their ancient Sovereign, in which 
they planted Wheat, Barley, Oats, and Peafe, which fprung 
up nine Inches in fourteen Days. From hence thev went 
to the Main, where they ftood for fome time ravifhed at 
the Beauty and Delicacy of the Country. But foon after 
returning to Elizabeth'' % IJland., they fpent three Weeks in 
building a Houfe, in a fmall Ifland of about an Acre of 
Ground, which ftood in the Midft of a large Lake of frefti 
Water, about three Miles in Circumference. 

They faw feveral of the Natives, with whom they 
made mutual Prefents, and had fome fmall Traffick. They 

were 





"Tlx^ History of VIRGINIA. Book I. 

were of an excellent Conftitution of Body, a6live, ftrong, 
healthful, and very ingenious, as divers of their Joys tefti- 
fied. The bafer Sort would Ileal, but thofe of better Rank 
were very civil and juft. ' Not one of the Englijh was af- 
fected with any Sicknefs ; but they rather grew more heal- 
thy and ftrong, notwithftanding their bad Diet and Lodging. 
Twelve had refolved to ftay ; but, confidering how meanly 
they were provided, they were at laft all obliged to leave 
this Ifland, not without much Sorrow and ReluClancy, and 
arrived at Exmouth the 23d of fuly, \ 
603- The Beginning of the next 'Fear, died that ever-memo- 

rable and glorious Princefs, Queen Elizabeth^ and was fuc- 
ceeded by King "Jaynes VI. of Scotland. He was fcarce 
warm in his Throne, before, as a Prefage of his future weak 
and inglorious Reign, he confined Sir IValter Ralegh in the 
Tower, for a moft myfterious and inextricable Plot. This 
great Man, as he was the firft Undertaker and Mover of 
thefe Difcoveries, is ufually looked upon as the Founder and 
Father of our Country. And indeed we are proud to own 
for fuch, a Perfon of his diftinguifhed Merit and Parts, 
who was one of the brightcft Ornaments of his Age and 
Country, highly in the Favour and Efteem of Queen Eli- 
zabeth^ and afterwards the Sacrifice of her mean and pufil- 
lanimous Succeflbr. But yet it muft be confefibd, that his 
Adventurers touched but once, and then flightly, on our 
Country ; but ftill kept on in the fame unfortunate Tra6l, 
on the flioaly and importuous Coaft of North-Carolina. 
Altho' his Judgment foon diflinguifhed from the Accounts, 
he received, the Advantages of Chefapeake for feating his 
Capital City of Ralegh ; and had his Orders been followed, 
it might perhaps have given a quite different Turn to the 
Affairs of the Colony. For it would not only have freed 
them from the Hazards and Difficulties, they encountered 
on that dangerous Coafl, and every where have fupplied 
them with fafe and convenient Harbours, but would have 
naturally led them to the Search and Difcovery of one of 
the molt commodious Countries perhaps in the World, for 
Shipping and Veflels. 

The fame Year 1603, by the Perfuafions of Mr. 
Richard Hackluyt (a curious and inquifitive Gentleman, and 
foon after a Prebend of Wejhninjier^ who publiflied the 
noted Collection of Voyages and Travels) the Mayor and 
Aldermen, with mofl of the Merchants of Brijhl., raifed a 
Stock of a thoufand Pounds, and fitted out two Veflels. 
But firfl they obtained the Leave and Permiffion of Sir 
Walter Ralegh^ as Proprietor of the Country, to make 
Difcoveries in Virginia. Martin Pring was made Captain, 

an 



Book I. "The History ^/VIRGINIA. ^ 

an underftanding Gentleman and able Mariner ; and Robert 1603. 
Saltern^ who had been with Captain Gofnold the Year be- ^"" — y— 
fore, was appointed his Afliftant and Pilot. But as, for 
the moft Part, they followed Captain Gofnold's Courfe, 
their Difcoveries were nothing extraordinary or different 
from his. 

But another Bark was this Year fent from London^ un- 
der the Command of Captain Bartholoinexv Gilbert^ who 
had likewife been with Captain Gofnold. After fome fmall 
Trade in the IVeJi-Indies^ they fell in with the Coaft of 
America in about 37 Degrees of Northern Latitude ; and 
fome Authors fay, they run up into Chefapeake Bay, where 
the Captain, going afhore, was killed with four of his 
Men. This ftruck fuch a Damp and Difcouragement into 
the reft, that they immediately weighed Anchor, and re- 
turned to England^ without any further Attempt or Difco- 
very. 

Two Years after. Captain George Weymouth was fent by 1605. 
the Earl of Southampton and the Lord Arundel of Warder., 
to make Difcoveries on the Coaft of Virginia. He intend- 
ed to the Southward of 39 ; but was forced by the Winds 
farther Northward., and fell among fome Shoals in 41 Deg. 
20 Min. But having happily difengaged themfelves, on the 
1 8th of May they made Land. It appeared to be a main 
high Land, but they found it an Ifland of fix Miles in 
Compafs. From thence they could difcern the Continent 
and very high Mountains ; and coafting among the Iflands, 
adjoining to the Main, they found an excellent Harbour. 
They dug a Garden the twenty fecond of May \ and among 
their Seeds, they fowed Barley and Peafe, which grew up 
eight Liches in fixteen Days ; altho' they judged the Mould 
much inferior to what they found afterwards on the Main. 
On the 30th of May., the Captain with thirteen more, went 
to view and difcover the Continent ; and having found a 
fair River, running up into the Country, they returned 
back to bring in the Ship. What River this was, and 
what Part of the American Coaft they fell upon, is difficult 
to determine exa£lly. For their negle£ling to tell us what 
Courfe they fteered, after they were difengaged from the 
Shoals, renders it doubtful, whether they fell in with fome 
Part of the Majfachufet\ Bay ; or rather farther Southward^ 
on the Coaft of Rhode-IJJand., Naraganfet., or Connecticut ; 
altho' I am moft inclined to believe, this River was either 
that of Naraganfet or Connecticut \ and the Ifland, what is 
now called Block-IJJand. However it is certain, that Old- 
mixon., (the Author of the Book, entitled, The BritiJJ} Em- 
pire in America) according to his ufual Cuftom, is here 
^ D moft 




rhe History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

moft egregioufly bewildered and loft. For after having, 
njudicioully enough, determined the fmall Ifland they firft 
made, of fix Miles in Compafs, to be Long-IJJand^ on the 
Coaft of Nnv-Tork^ he immediately after, with ftiU grea- 
ter Abfurdity and Grofnefs, calls this the River of Poivha- 
tan^ now James River, to the Southward^ as he fays, of 
the Bay of Chefapcake. 

When Captain Weymouth returned aboard, he found, 
that the Indians had contracSled an Acquaintance with his 
Crew ; that they had had fome fmall Trade together ; and 
that there was much outward Shew of Kindnefs and Civi- 
lity between them. For as the EngUfh intended to inhabit 
their Country, and as it was the chief Defign of the noble 
Adventurers, who had fent them, to propagate Chriftianity 
among thofe barbarous People, they uied them very kindly ; 
and exchanging Hoftages, would fometimes lie afhore with 
them, and they fometimes aboard with the Englifl). At 
laft they were very preiJing with the Captain, to go to the 
Main, to trade with their Bafliabes, or chief Lord. He 
accordingly manned his Boat with fourteen Hands, and at- 
tended them. But having plainly difcovered their Trea- 
chery, and that it was only a Stratagem to cut them off, 
he feifed five, and ever afterwards treated them with great 
Civility, but never more trufted them. 

Having fpent fome time in founding all the Ifles, 
Channels, and Inlets, and found four feveral Ways of bring- 
ing a Ship into the Bay, they at laft ran theirs twenty fix 
Miles up the River. They found, it flowed eighteen Feet, 
was a Mile wide forty Miles from the Mouth, had a bold 
Channel from fix to ten Fathom deep, and every half Mile 
beautiful Coves and Harbours, fome of them to contain an 
hundred Sail of Veflels. The Land was very rich, trend- 
ing all along in an equal Plain, neither mountainous nor 
rocky, but verged with a green Border of Grafs ; and the 
Woods were large and tall, and delightfully watered with 
many frefh Springs and Rivulets. Leaving their Ship, they 
went feven Miles higher than the fait Water flowed, and 
then marched towards the Mountains. But the Weather 
was fo hot, and the Fatigue fo great, that having ere6led 
a Crofs, they willingly returned to their Ship. Soon after, 
they failed for England^ and arrived at Dartmouth the i8th 
of July ; carrying with them the five Indians^ taken by 
the Captain, whereof one was a Sagamo, or Commander, 
and three others, Perfons of Figure and Diftin6tion in their 
own Country. 



THE 




THE 

HISTORY 

OF 

VIRGINIA, 
BOOK II. 



A P T A I N Bartholomeiu Gofnold had made a 
Voyage to the Northern Parts of Virginia^ in 
the Year 1602, as hath been before related. 
He was fo wonderfully pleafed with the Plea- 
fantnefs and Fertility of the Places he faw, 
that, after his Return to England^ he made it his Bufinefs 
to follicit all his Friends and Acquaintance, to join with 
him in an Attempt to fettle fo delightful a Country. After 
fome Years fpent in vain, he at laft prevailed with Cap- 
tain John Smithy Mr. Edward-Maria Wingfield^ the Rev. 
Mr. Robert Hunt^ and divers others, to join in the Under- 
taking. But fettling Colonies is an Enterprife of too great 
Burthen and Expence for a i^yN private Perfons ; and there- 
fore, after many vain Proje6ls, they applied themfelves to 
feveral of the Nobility, Gentry, and Merchants, and by 
their great Charge and Induftry, recommended their Scheme 
fo efFeilually to them, that they came into it very heartily. 
And firft. Letters patent were obtained from King 
James I. bearing Date the loth of Jpril^ 1606, to Sir Tho- 
mas Gates^ and Sir George Somers^ Knights, Richard Hack- 
luyt^ Clerk, Prebendary of Wejhn'uijhr^ Edward-Maria 
Wingfield^ with others unnamed, for the Southern Colony ; 
and to Thomas Hanham^ and Ralegh Gilbert^ Efqrs, Wil- 
liam Parker^ and George Popha?n^ Gentlemen, and others 
D 2 unnamed, 



1606. 



r/v History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

unnamed, for the Northern Colony. By this Charter, all 
'that Tra6l of Country, from 34 to 45 Degrees of North 
Latitude, which then went under the common Name of 
Virginia^ was divided into two Parts ; called the Firft Co- 
lony and the Second. The Firft or Southern Colony was 
defigned for the City of London^ and fuch as would adven- 
ture with them, to difcover and chufe a Place of Settlement, 
any where between the Degrees of 34 and 41. The Se- 
cond or Northern Part, was appropriated to the Cities of 
Brijiol^ Exeter^ PUmouth^ and the JFeJiern Parts of En- 
gland^ and all thofe, that would adventure and join with 
them, to make their Choice, any where between the De- 
grees of 38 and 45 ; provided, there fhould be at leaft an 
hundred Miles Diftance between the two Colonies. For 
each of them was to extend fifty Miles from the Place of 
their firft Habitation, each way along the Coaft. But I 
ftiall make no Abftra6t of this Charter, having caufed it to 
be printed at large in the Appendix, to which I refer the 
Reader. 

But befides this Charter, the King gave divers Articles, 
InftrucSions, and Orders, under his Sign Manual, and the 
Privy Seal of England^ dated the 20th of November^ 1606 ; 
wherein he eftablifhes and ordains a Council, under the 
Name of the King's Council for Virginia. This confifted 
of the following Perfons ; Sir IVilliam Wade., Lieutenant 
of the Tower of London., Sir Thomas Smith., Sir Walter 
Cope., Sir George More., Sir Francis Popham., Sir Ferdinando 
Gorges., Sir "John Trevor., Sir Henry Montagu., Recorder of 
the City of London., and Sir William Ro?nney., Knights ; 
John Dodderidge., Sollicitor General, and Thomas Warr., 
Efqrs; John Eldred., of the City of London., Thomas James., 
of Brijlol., and James Bagg., of Plimouth., in the County of 
Devon., Merchants. But thefe being foon found too few, 
and by Reafon of the Diftance of their Habitations from 
each other, difficult to be got together in any competent 
Number, his Majefty, by an Ordinance dated the 9th of 
March following, augmented this Council with Sir Tho?uas 
Challenor., Sir Henry Nevil., Sir Fulke Grevil., Sir John 
Scot., Sir Robert Manfel., Sir Oliver Cronnvell., Sir Morris 
Berkeley., Sir Edward Michelborne., Sir Thomas Holcroft., Sir 
Thomas Smith., Clerk of the Privy 'Council, Sir Robert Kil- 
ligrexv., Sir Herbert Croft., Sir George Copping., Sir Edwin 
Sandys., Sir Thotnas Roe., and Sir Anthony Palmer., Knights, 
nominated to him by and on the Behalf of the firlt Colony; 
and with Sir Edivard Hungerford., Sir John Mallet., Sir John 
Gilbert., Sir Thomas Freake., Sir Richard Hawkins., and Sir 
Bartholometu Mitchel., Knights ; Thotnas Seamer^ Bernard 

GreenviL 



Book II. Hv History of VIRGINIA. 

Greenvll^ and Edward Rogers^ Efqrs ; and Matthetu Sutcliff'e^ 
Do£lor of Divinity, and afterwards Dean of Exeter^ nomi- 
nated to him by and on the Behalf of the fecond Colony. 

In this laft Inftrument, there was a Diftin6lion and Se- 
peration made of the two Councils ; but in the former of 
the 20th of November^ Sir William JVade^ and the reft, 
were conftituted his Majefty's Council for both Colonies, 
for all Matters that fhould happen in Virginia^ or any the 
Territories of America^ between 34 and 45 Degrees of 
North Latitude, according to the Purport and Tenor of 
the Letters patent : That they fhould have full Power 
and Authority, at the Pleafure, and in the Name of his 
Majefty, his Heirs, or Succeflors, to give Dire6lions to 
the Councils, refident in America^ for the good Govern- 
ment of the People there, and for the proper ordering 
and difpofing all Caufes within the fame, in Subftance 
as near to the Common Law of England^ and the Equity 
thereof, as might be ; referving to his Majefty, his Heirs 
and Succeffors, a Power to increafe, alter, or change 
the faid Council, at their Will and Pleafure : And that 
this his Majefty's Council in England^ ftiould nominate 
and appoint the firft Members of the feveral Councils, 
to be refident in the Colonies. 

"• That the faid Councils, refident in the Colonies, or 
the major Part of them, (hould chufe one of their own 
Body, not being a Minifter of God's Word, to be Prefi- 
dent of the fame, and to continue in that Office by the 
Space of one whole Year, and no longer : And that it 
ftiould be lawful for the major Part of the faid Councils, 
upon any juft Caufe, either of Abfence or otherwife, to 
remove the Prefident, or any other of the Council ; and 
in Cafe of Death or fuch Removal, to ele6f another into 
the vacant Place : Provided always, that the Number of 
each of the faid Councils fliould not exceed thirteen. 
" That the faid Prefidents, Councils, and the Minifters, 
fhould provide, that the true Word and Service of God 
be preached, planted, and ufed, not only in the faid Co- 
lonies, but alfo, as much as might be, among the Sava- 
ges bordering upon them, according to the Rites and 
Do6trine of the Church of England. 

" That they fhould not fuffer any to withdraw the 
People of the faid Colonies from the Allegiance of the 
King, his Heirs, or Succeflors ; but fliould caufe all 
Perfons fo offending, to be apprehended and imprifoned, 
till full and due Reformation, or if the Caufe fo required, 
fliould fend them to England., with all convenient Speed, 
there to receive condign Punifliment. 

D 3 " That 





rbe History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

" That all Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, 
" fliould be had, inhabited, and enjoyed, within the faid 
" Colonies, as the like Eftates are held and enjoyed, by 
" the Laws in England. 

" That Tumults, Rebellion, Confpiracy, Mutiny, 
" and Sedition, together with Murder, Manflaughter, In- 
" ceft. Rapes, and Adultery, committed within any of the 
" Degrees aforefaid, (and no other Offences) Ihould be 
" punifhed by Death without Benefit of Clergy, except in 
" Cafe of Manflaughter, to which Clergy fhould be allow- 
" ed : And that the faid Prefidents and Councils, within 
" their feveral Limits and Precin61:s, fhould have full Power 
" and Authority, to hear and determine concerning the 
" faid Offences, in Manner and Form following ; viz. by 
^' a Jury of twelve honeft and indifferent Perfons, returned 
" by proper Officers, and fworn upon the Evangelifts, 
" who fliould, according to the Evidence given, upon their 
'' Oath, and according to the Truth in their Confciences, 
^' convi6l or acquit the feveral Perfons fo accufed, and 
" tried by them : That every Perfon who fhould volunta- 
" rily confefs the faid Offences, or fliould ftand mute, and 
'' refufe to plead, or make direcSl: Anfwer, fliould be, and 
" be held as fully convi6fed of the fame, as if he had been 
*■'■ found guilty by the Verdi6l of the twelve Jurors afore- 
'' faid : That the faid Prefidents and Councils, or the Ma- 
" jor Part of them, within their feveral Precin6ls and Li- 
" mits, fhould have full Power and Authority, to give 
" Judgment of Death upon every fuch Offender, without 
'' Benefit of Clergy, except in Cafe of Manflaughter only : 
'' And that no Perfon, fo adjudged or condemned, fliould 
" be reprieved, but by the Confent of the faid Prefident 
" and Council, or the major Part of them ; nor fliould 
" receive full Pardon, or be abfolutely difcharged from the 
" faid Offences, but by the Pardon of the King, his Heirs, 
" or Succeflors, under the Great Seal of England : And fi- 
" nally, that all Perfons, offending as aforefaid, within 
" the Degrees abovementioned, but out of the Precinds 
" of their own Colony, fliould be tried and puniflied in 
" their proper and refpeftive Colony. 

" That the faid Prefidents and Councils, within their 
*' feveral Precin61:s and Limits, fliould have Power and Au- 
" thority, to hear and determine all other Wrongs, Tref- 
*' pafles, and Mifdemeanors whatfoever ; and on fufficient 
" Proof upon Oath, fliould refpeilively punifli the Offen- 
" ders, either by reaibnable corporal Punifliment and Im- 
" prifonment, or elfe by awarding fuch Damages, or other 
*' Satisfadtion, to the Parties aggrieved, as to them, or the 

" more 



Book II. 'The History of VIRGINIA. 

more Part of them, (liould feem fit and convenient : And 
that the faid Prefidents and Councils fhould have Power 
to punifli all Manner of Excefs, through Drunkennefs 
or otherwife, and all loitering, idle, and vagrant Per- 
fons, within their refpe6live Precin6ls, according to their 
beft Difcretions, and with fuch convenient Punifhment, 
as they, or the moft Part of them, fliould think fit : 
That thefe judicial Proceedings fliould be made fumma- 
rily and verbally, without Writing, till they came to the 
Judgment or Sentence, which (hould be briefly regiftred 
into a Book, kept for that Purpofe, together with the 
Caufe, for which the faid Judgment or Sentence was 
given, fubfcribed by the faid Prefident and Council, or 
by fuch of them as gave the Judgment, 
" That for five Years, next after their landing on the 
Coaft of Firginia^ the faid feveral Colonies, and every 
Perfon thereof, fhould trade altogether in one Stock, or in 
two or three Stocks at mofl, and fhould bring all the Fruits 
of their Labours there, with all their Goods and Com- 
modities from England or elfewhere, into feveral Maga- 
zines or Storehoufes, for that Purpofe to be erected, in 
fuch Order, Manner, and P^orm, as the Councils of the 
refpedive Colonies, or the more Part of them, fliould 
prefcribe and dire6f: : That there fhould be annually cho- 
ien by the Prefident and Council of each Colony, or the 
major Part of them, one Perfon of their Colony, to be 
Treafurer or Cape-Merchant of the fame, to take Charge 
of, and to manage, all Goods and Wares, brought into, 
or delivered out of, the faid Magazines ; upon whofe 
Death, voluntary Refignation, or Removal for any juft 
and reafonable Caufe, it fhould be lawful for the faid 
Prefident and Council, to eled any other, or others, in 
his Room : That there fhould alfo be eleded, by the 
faid Prefident and Council, two others (or more, if need 
be) Perfons of Difcretion ; the one to enter into a Book, 
kept for that Purpofe, all Goods, Wares, and Merchan- 
difes, brought into ; and the other, to charge, in a like 
Book, all taken out of the faid Magazines or Storehoufes; 
which Clerks fhould continue in their Places, only at the 
Will of the Prefident and Council of their refpedive Co- 
lony : And laftly, that every Perfon of each of the faid 
Colonies, fhould be furniflied with NecefTaries out of the 
faid Magazines, for the Space of five Years, by the Ap- 
pointment, Diredion, and Order, of the Prefident and 
Council of their refpedive Colonies, or of the Cape- 
Merchant and two Clerks, or the major Part of them.» < 

D 4 " That 




40 "The History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

1606. " That the Adventurers of the f'irft Colony fhould 
chufe, out of themfelves, one or more Companies, each 
confifting of three Perfons at the leaft, to refide in or 
near London^ or at fuch other Place or Places, as the 
Council for that Colony, for the time being, or the moft 
Part of them, during the faid five Years, fhould think 
fit : In the fame Manner, that the Adventurers of the 
Second Colony fhould chufe the like Companies, to be 
refident at or near Plimouth^ or at fuch one, two, or 
three other Places or Ports, as the Council for that Co- 
lony fhould think fit : And that thefe minor Companies 
fhould, from time to time, take Care and Charge of 
the Trade, and an Account of all the Goods, Wares, 
and Merchandifes, that fhould be fent from England to 
their refpecSlive Colonies, and brought from the Colonies 
into England^ and of all other Things, relating to the 
Affairs and Profits of their feveral Companies. 
" That no Perfon fhould be admitted to abide or re- 
main in the faid Colonies, but fuch as fhould take, not 
only the ufual Oath of Obedience, but alfo the Oath, 
preicribed in the lafl Seflion of Parliament, holden at 
IVeJitnin/ler in the fourth Year of his Majefty's Reign, 
for due Obedience to the King, his Heirs, and Succef- 
fors. 

" That the Prefidents and Councils of the faid Colo- 
nies, or the major Part of them, fhould have Power to 
conftitute, make, and ordain, from time to time. Laws, 
Ordinances, and Officers, for the better Order, Go- 
vernment, and Peace of their refpe6live Colonies ; pro- 
vided neverthelefs, that thofe Ordinances and Conflitu- 
tions did not touch any Party in Life or Member : And 
that the faid Laws and Ordinances fhould ftand and con- 
tinue in full Force, till the fame fliould be otherwife 
altered or made void by the King, his Heirs, or Suc- 
cefibrs, or by his Majefly's Council in England for Fir^ 
ginia^ or by their own Council, there refident : Provided 
always, that the faid Alterations fhould fland with, and 
be in Subftance confonant to, the Laws of England^ or 
the Equity thereof. 

" That all Perfons fhould kindly treat the favage and 
heathen People in thofe Parts, and ufe all proper Means 
to draw them to the true Service and Knowledge of 
God, and that all jufl and charitable Courfes fhould be 
taken with fuch of them, as would conform themfelves 
to any good and fociable Traffick, thereby the fooner to 
bring them to the Knowledge of God, and the Obe- 
dience of the King, his Heirs, and SuccefTors, under fuch 

" fevere 



Book II. Tbe History of VIRGINIA. 41 

'•'■ fevere Pains and Punifliments, as ihould be inflicted by 1^06. 

*' the refpe6live Prefidents and Councils of the leveral Co-^ y ' 

" lonies. 

" That as the laid Colonies fliould, from time to 
" time, encreafe in Plantation, the King, his Heirs, and 
*' Succeflbrs, fhould ordain and give fuch Order, and fur- 
*' ther Inftru6tions, Laws, Conllitutions, and Ordinances, 
" as bv them fliould be thought fit and convenient : Pro- 
" vided always, that they be fuch as might ftand with, and 
*' be confonant to the Laws of Englmul^ or the Equity 
"■ thereof. 

"And laftly, that his Majeftv's Council in England 
" for Virginia^ fliould take fuch Oath, as fiiould be limit- 
*' ed and appointed by the Privy Council ; and each Coun- 
'' fellor, refident in the Colonies, fliould take fuch Oath, 
*' as fliould be prefcribed by the King's Council in England 
*' for Virginia : And that thefe, as well as all future Or- 
" ders and Inftru6tions of the King, his Heirs, or Succef- 
" fors, fhould be tranfmitted over to the feveral Councils, 
" refident in the faid Colonies, under the legal Seal of the 
*' King's Council in England for Virginia.'''' 

These Articles contain feveral Things of an extraor- 
dinary Nature ; which ,Sif fohn Randolph^ in the Sketch, 
he has left of the Beginning of his Hiftory of Virginia.^ pro- 
mifed afterwards to animadvert upon. I am no Lawyer, 
and therefore fliall not prefume to enter deeply into the 
Matter. I fliall only tranfiently remark, that, notwith- 
fl:an'Hng the frequent Repetition of the Laws of Englayid., 
and the Equity thereof, his Majefty feems, in fome things, 
to have deviated grofly from them. He has certainly made 
fufficient Provifion for his own defpotic Authority ; and 
has attributed an extravagant and illegal Power to the Pre- 
fidents and Councils. For he has placed the whole Legif- 
lative Power folely in them, without any Reprefentative of 
the People, contrary to a noted Maxim of the Englijh 
Conflitution ; That all Freemen are to be governed by Laws, 
made with their own Confent, either in Perfon, or by their 
Reprefentatives. He has alfo appointed Juries only in Cafes 
of Life and Death ; and has left all other Points, relating 
to the Liberty and private Property of the Subjed:, wholly 
to the Pleafure and Determination of the Prefidents and 
Councils. He has indeed, agreeably to the Di6lates of his 
own Nature, been exprefs enough with Refpe6l to Rebel- 
lion, Confpiracy, and other Offences immediately againft 
the Magiftrate ; but then he has been very fparing in all 
other criminal Matters. For altho' he has made Adultery 
punifliable with Death, contrary to the Laws of England., 
s and 



[6o6. 



42 ^rhc History of VIRGINIA. Book IL 

and contrary to a greater, the Law of the Gofpel, in the 
noted Determination of our B. Saviour, concerning the 
Woman taken in Adultery ; yet he has palled over all the 
feveral Species of Robbery, Burglary, and Felony, with 
other Crimes, capita! by the Laws of England^ and decla- 
red, that none, but thofe there fpecified, il:iould be fubje£fc 
to the Punifliment of Death. 

However, fumifhed with thefe Powers and Autho- 
rities, the Firft or Southern Colony, which ftill retains the 
Name of Virginia^ was undertaken and begun by feveral 
Nobleman, Knights, Gentlemen, Merchants and Citizens, 
in and about London ; and they chofe Sir Thomas Smithy 
a very eminent and wealthy Merchant of London^ their 
Treafurer, to have the chief Management of their Affairs, 
and to fummon and prefide in all Meetings of the Council 
and Company in England. He had been the chief of Sir 
Walter Ralegh^ Affignees, and was either now, or foon 
after, Governor of the Eaji-India Company ; and had alfo 
been fent, two Years before, his Majefty's EmbafTador to 
the Emperor of Rujfia. And next, having provided two 
Ships and a fmall Bark, they committed the Tranfporta- 
tion of the Colony to Captain Chrijiopher Newport.^ who 
was efteemed a Mariner of Ability and Experience on the 
American Coafts. For he had fourteen Years before, Jnno 
1592, with much Reputation and Honour, condu<5led an 
\ Expedition againft the Spaniards in the Weji-Indies ; where, 
\with three Ships and a fmall Bark, he took feveral Prizes, 
^plundered and burnt fome Towns, and got a confiderable 
Booty. 
/^ To him therefore, by an Inftrument, bearing Date the 
loth of December 1606, under the legal Seal of the Coun- 
cil, they gave Power to appoint all Captains, Soldiers, and 
Mariners, and to have the fole Charge and Command of 
the fame, and of the whole Voyage, from the Date there- 
of, till they fhould land on the Coaft of Virginia ; and in 
Cafe of his Death, the feveral Captains of the Ships and 
Bark were ordered and impowered, to proceed and carry 
them to the Coaft of Virginia aforefaid. To Captain New- 
port^ Capt. Bartholomew Gofnold., and Captain fohn Rat- 
cliffe^ they alfo delivered feveral Inftruments, clofe fealed 
with the Councils Seal, which they, the Survivors, or Sur- 
vivor of them, fhould, within twenty four Hours after 
their Arrival on the Coaft of Virgiiiia^ and not before, open 
and unfeal, and publift^ the Names of the Perfons, therein 
fet down, who fliould be declared and taken to be his Ma- 
jefty's Council for that Colony : That the faid Council 
ihould immediately proceed to the Choice and Nomination 

of 



Book II. -TZv History «/ VIRGINIA. 43 

of a Prefident, who fliould have two Votes in all Matters ^■^°^- 
of Controveriy and Queftion, where the Voices happened ' — ' r^-' 
to be equal ; and fhould have full Power and Authority, 
with the Advice of the reft of the Council, or the greater 
Part of them, to govern, rule, and command, all the 
Captains and Soldiers, with all other Perfons whatfoever of 
the faid Colony : And that the Prefident, immediately 
upon his Eiet'^tion, fliould, in the Prefence of the Council, 
and of twenty others of the principal Adventurers in the 
Voyage, to be by the President and Council called thereto, 
take his Oath, according to a Form prefcribed, to bear true 
Allegiance to the King, and for the Performance of his 
Dutv in the Place and Office of Prefident; after which he 
iliould adminifter the like Oath to each of the Council par- 
ticularly. And finally, Captain Newport was commanded, 
with fuch a Number of Men, as fhould be affigned him by 
the Prefident and Council, to beftow two Months in the 
Search and Difcovery of the Rivers and Ports of the Coun- 
try, and to give prefent Order for the lading the two Ships 
(the Bark being defigned to remain in the Country) with 
fuch principal Commodities and Merchandife, as could there 
be had and found, and to return with the faid Ships, full 
laden, bringing a particular Account of every thing, by 
the laft of May following, if God permit. 

To these Orders the Council added other Inftruflions, 
by way of Advice, concerning their ftrift Obfervation of 
the above-mentioned Ordinances by the King's Majefty, 
delivered to them under the Privy Seal; concerning the 
Choice of a Place, and the Manner of feating themfelves ; 
the neceffary Orders and Methods of Difcovery ; their 
Caution before, and Behaviour towards, the Natives; with 
various other Counfels and Directions for the better con- 
ducing themfelves and the Enterprife. And as the Council 
in England vjevQ ever follicitous and intent on the Difcovery 
of the South-Sea^ as the certain and infallible Way to im- 
menfe Riches, they were commanded, if they happened to 
difcover divers navigable Rivers, and among them any, that 
had two main Branches, if the Difference was not great, 
to make Choice of that, which tended moft towards the 
North-lVeJ} ; fince the other Sea, as they judged, would 
be fooneft found that Way. And they were to difcover, if 
they could, whether the River, on which they feated, fprung 
out of the Mountains or out of Lakes. For if it rofe from 
any Lake, it was likely, that the Paffage to the other Sea 
would be the more eafy, and that out of the fame Lake 
they might find fome other Stream, running the contrary 
Way, towards the Eaji-India^ or South-Sea. And they 



44 -77v History of VIRGINIA. Book IL 

i6o5. concluded laftly and chiefly, that the Way to profper and 

'"•^ — >^-^ obtain Succefs was to make themfelves all of one Mind, for 

their own and their Country's Good, and to ferve and fear 

God, the Giver of all Goodnefs, fince every Plantation, 

which he did not plant, would certainly be rooted out. 

All thefe Orders and Inftrudions being put into a 
Box, they fet Sail from Blackivall the 19th of Dece?nber 
1606; but were kept fix Weeks on the Coaft o^ England 
by contrary Winds. Even then they neglected the Coun- 
cil's laft falutary Advice, concerning Unity and Concord 
among themfelves. For they began to fall into fuch Fac- 
tions and Difcords, as would have ruined the w^hole Voyage, 
had not A4r. Hiint^ their Preacher, by his prudent Con- 
duit and pious Exhortations, allayed their Fury and Dif- 
fenfion. That good Man, altho' he was fo fick and weak 
the whole Time, that i&^N expeded his Recovery, and had 
the additional Aggravation of being the principal Obje6l of 
their Malice and Reproach, yet bore all with the utmoft 
Meeknefs and Patience. And he never betrayed the leaft 
feeming Defire to leave the Bufinefs, altho' his Habitation 
was but twenty Miles from the Downs^ but preferred the 
Service of God and his Country, in fo good a Voyage, be- 
fore all other private Refpe6fs or Confiderations whatfo- 
ever. 

1607. As foon as they got clear of the Coaft: of England^ they 

took the old Rout by the Canaries^ where they watered. 
Here their Quarrels and Diflenfions grew fo high, that 
Captain Smith was feized and committed clofe Prifoner. It 
was fuggefted by Mr. Wingfield and fome others of the chief 
among them, who envied his Repute and Intereft with the 
Company, that he intended to murder the Council, ufurp 
the Government, and make himfelf King of Virginia ; and 
this, they pretended, would be attefted and proved againfl: 
him by feveral of his Confederates, who were difperfed in 
all the three Ships. Upon thefe fcandalous Suggeftions, he 
was fufpeded, and kept in clofe Confinement thirteen 
Weeks. From the Canaries they went to the Weji-Indies ; 
where having traded with the Natives, and ftaid three 
Weeks to refrefli themfelves, they fl:eered away Northward^ 
in Search of Virginia. The Mariners had pafied their 
Reckoning three Days, and yet found no Land ; which fo 
diflieartened the Company, that Captain Ratcliffe., Com- 
mander of the Bark, was urgent to bare up the Helm, and 
return for England. But a violent Storm, obliging them 
to hull it all Night under their bare Poles, drove them pro- 
videntially, beyond all their Expe61:ations, to their defired 
Port. For the next Day, being the 26th of Jpril 1607, 

they 



Book II. "The History ^/VIRGINIA. 45 

they made a Coaft, which none of them had ever leen. '607. 

The firft Land, they defcried, they called Cape-Henry^ in " r~ — 

Honour to the Prince of IFales ; as the Northern Cape 
was named Cape-Charles^ after the Duke of I'ork^ King 
James's fecond Son at that time, and afterwards King 
Charles I. of England. Thirty Men went afliore on Cape- 
Henry^ to recreate and refrefh themfelves ; but they were 
fuddenly aflaulted by five Savages, who wounded two of 
them very dangeroufly. 

Within thefe Capes they found a Country, which, 
according to their own Defcription, might claim the Pre- 
rogative over the moft pleafant Places in the known World, 
for large and majeftic navigable Rivers, for beautiful 
Mountains, Hills, Plains, Vallies, Rivulets, and Brooks, 
gurgling down, and running moffc pleafantly into a fair Bay, 
encompafled on all Sides, except at the Mouth, with fruit- 
ful and delightfome Land. In the Bay and Rivers were 
many Iflands, both great and fmall, fome woody, others 
plain, but moft of them low and uninhabited. So that 
Heaven and Earth feemed never to have agreed better, to 
frame a Place for Man's commodious and delightful Habi- 
tation, were it fully cultivated and inhabited by indufi:rious 
People, 

The Night of their Arrival, the Box was opened, and 
the Orders for Government read. In them Edward-Maria 
Wingfield., Bartholomexv Gofnold^ John S?nith., Chri/iopher 
Netvport^ John Ratcliffe^ John Martin., and George Ken- 
dall^ were appointed of the Council. They were employ- 
ed, till the 13th of May., in feeking a Place for their Set- 
tlement ; and then they refolved on a Permifula., on the 
North Side of the River Powhatan., about forty Miles from 
the Mouth. After which, Mr. Wingfield was chofen Y\:<i- Ediuard- 
fident, the Council fworn, and an Oration made, why ^^'^'''^ 
Captain Smith was not admitted of the Council, as the ^^^ll^^^ 
reft. But befides thefe Gentlemen and Mr. Hunt.^ their 
Chaplain, there came over another Perfon of very great 
Difi:in£tion and Quality, This was the Honourable Mr. 
George Percy., of the ancient Family of the Percies^ fo re- 
nowned in Story, and Brother to the Earl of Northumber- 
lajid. Neither did his A6lions here difgrace the Nobility of 
his Birth. For he juftly obtained the Reputation of being 
a Gentleman of great Honour, Courage, and Induftry. 
He feems to have come merely a Volunteer upon the Ex- 
pedition, and bore no Poft or Office of Government ; 
which might perhaps have proceeded from the Cloud, un- 
der which his Brother, the Earl of Northu7nberland., then 
lay. For on fome diflant Surmifes, and upon Account of 

Mr. 



46 rhc History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

1607. Mr. Percy ^ his Kinfman, who was concerned in that Trea- 

• — ^^ fon, the Earl was fufpeiled to have been privy to the 

Echuarj- Gun-powder Plot ; and was therefore thrown into the 
^Fil'^fieU Tower, where he lay above twelve Years, was fined thirty 
Prefident. thoufand Pounds Sterling in the Star-Chamber^ and under- 
went much hard Ufage. And befides Mr. Percy^ there 
were Anthony Gofnold^ Captain Gabriel Archer^ Nathaniel 
Powel^ Kellatn Throgmorton^ William Smithes^ Richard 
Frith^ and divers others of Note in this firft Plantation. 
And Mr. Thomas Studley was ele6led the firft Cape-Mer- 
chant, or Treafurer, of the Colony. 

Having pitched upon a Place to fettle, they called it 
James-Totun^ in Honour of his Majefty then reigning, and 
every Man fell to work. The Council contrive the Yort ; 
and of the reft, fome cut down and clear away the Trees, 
to make a Place to pitch their Tents ; fome get Clapboard, 
to relade the Ships ; whilft others were employed in making 
Gardens and Nets, and providing other Neceflaries and 
Conveniences. The Indians often vifited them kindly, 
which was a great Satisfaction to them. For the Prefident's 
Jealoufy would admit of no Exercife at Arms, nor any 
other Fortification, but the Boughs of Trees caft together 
in the Form of a half Moon, by the extraordinary Pains 
and Diligence of Captain Kendall. And foon after New- 
port and Sfnith^ with twenty others, were fent to difcover 
the Head of the River Poiuhatan^ which, from King "James., 
was afterwards called James River. They pafled by divers 
fmall Habitations ; and in fix Days arrived at a Town, 
called Powhatan., confifting of about twelve Houfes, plea- 
fantly feated on a Hill, on the North Side of the River, 
with three fertile Ifles before it. This Place I judge to be 
either Mrs. Mayo's., or elfe Marring\ Plantation ; and it 
was the principal Seat, by Inheritance, of Powhatan., Em- 
peror of the Country. To this Place they found the River 
navigable ; but within a Mile higher, by reafon of the 
Rocks and Ifles, there was no Paflage for a fmall Boat ; and 
this they called the Falls. They were kindly treated by 
the People in all Parts ; but being returned to Ja?nes-Town., 
they found feventeen Men hurt, and a Boy flain, by the 
Indians ; and had not a Crofs-bar Shot from the Ships hap- 
pened to ftrike a Bough from a Tree among them, which 
frighted, and made them retire, the Englijh had been all 
cut off", being fecurely at Work, and their Arms in dry 
Fats. After this the Prefident permitted the Fort to be pa- 
iifadoed, the Ordinance to be mounted, and the Men to 
be armed and exercifed. For many and fudden were the 
Afiaults and Ambuicades of the Indians \ and the Englijh., 

by 



Book II. The History of VIRGINIA. 47 

by their diforderly ftraggling were often hurt, whilft they, 1^07. 
by the Nimblenefs of then- Heels, efcaped. " 1 — — ' 

Altho' Captain Newport was named of the Council, •'^'^■''^.'''''^' 
yet was he only hired for their Tranfportation, and was to i^i„„e^ii 
return with the Ships. The time of his Departure ap- Prefident. 
proaching. Captain Smith'?. Enemies pretended, out of 
Tendernefs and Compaflion to him, to refer him to the 
Council in England^ to receive a Reprimand, rather than 
by pufliing on their Accufation, to endanger his Life, or 
utterly deftroy his Reputation. But he, being a Man of 
high Spirit, and confcious of his Innocency, fcorned their 
Charity, and defied their Malice ; and behaved himfelf in 
the whole Affair with fuch Clearnefs and Prudence, that 
all the Company perceived his Integrity, and their Envy and 
Injuftice. Infifting therefore upon his Trial, the Perfons, 
fuborned to accufe him, accufed their Suborners ; and al- 
tho' many Falflioods were alledged againft him, yet were 
they all fo plainly difproved, that it raifed a general Refent- 
ment in the Hearts of the Audience againft fuch unjuft 
Commanders, and the Prefident was condemned to pay 
him two hundred Pounds, in Reparation of the Injury. 
In Confequence hereof, all the Prefident's Effects were 
feized in Part of Satisfa6lion ; but Smith generoufly pre- 
fented them to the publick Store for the Ufe of the Colony. 
Soon after their Heats and Animofities were appeafed by 
the good Do6lrine and Exhortations of Mr. Hunt^ who 
procured Captain Smith to be admitted of the Council ; and 
the next Day, they all received the Communion, in Con- 
firmation of their Peace and Concord. The Day after, 
being the 15th of June^ the Indians voluntarily fued for 
Peace, and Captain Newport fet Sail for England^ leaving ^^.^^ 
an hundred Perfons behind him in Virginia. 

The Colony, being now left to their Fortunes, fell into 
fuch a violent Sicknefs, that within ten Days Icarce ten.a- 
mong them could either go or ftand. This was chiefly 
owing to the Difference of their Diet. For whilft the 
Ships ftaid, either by Way of Traffic, or for Money, or 
Love, they got a daily Proportion of Bifcuit and other Pro- 
vifions from the Sailers, who always abounded even to 
Luxury and Profufion. But now they were all reduced to 
the common Kettle ; which contained the Allowance of 
half a Pint of Wheat, and as much Barley, boiled with 
Water, for a Man a Day. And this, having funked for 
fix and twenty Weeks in the Ship's Hold, contained no- 
thing fubftantial, being only Bran, with as many Worms 
as Grains. The Council in England^ but efpecially Sir 
Thomas Smith., their Treafurer, were juffly charged with 

much 



48 "The History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

1607. much Cruelty and Inhumanity for thefe fcanty and ill- 

' V 'conditioned Provifions ; which Management however con- 

Edward- tinued, more or lefs, the whole time of that Gentleman's 
Wintfidd. Adminiftration of the Affairs of the Company and Colony. 
Preiident. This unwholefomc Food, together with their continual 
Toil and Labour in the Extremity of the Heat, carried off 
fifty of the Company by Septeynher ; in which Number was 
Captain Gofnold^ the firfl Mover and Proje6f:or of the whole 
Bufinefs. The reft, that furvived by the Care of Captain 
Smithy and the Skill and Diligence of Mr. Thomas Wotton^ 
their Surgeon-General, fubfifted on Crabs and Sturgeon, 
till September. 

But the Prefident, all this while, had felt neither Want 
nor Sicknefs. F^or he had embezzled the public Oatmeal, 
Sack, Aqiia-vita^ Beef, and Eggs, and had lived in great 
Plenty and Elegance. Soon after, having projefted an 
Efcape to England in the Bark, it railed fuch Indignation 
in the reft, that they depofed him, and ele6led Captain 
John Rat- yohn RatcUjfe in his Room. Kendall was likewife at the 
f/;/> Prefi- j-^j^g time difgraced, and removed from the Council, for 
being concerned in thefe male Pra£tices of the Prefident. 
And now, when all their Provifions were fpent, the Stur- 
geon gone, and no ProfpecSl of Relief from any Qiiarter 
left, God wrought fo wonderful a Change in the Hearts of 
the Indians^ that they brought fuch Plenty of their Fruits 
and Provifions, as no Man wanted. 

Ne^uport was gone, Gofnold dead, and Wingfield and 
Kendall in Difgrace ; neither were their Places fupplied by 
the Ele6lion of any others, according to the Authority 
given. So that the whole Government and Power of the 
Council now refted in the new Prefident, Martin., and 
Smith. But the Prefident and Martin., being little efteemed 
or beloved, of weak Judgment in Dangers, and lefs In- 
duftry in Peace, at firft very candidly and wifely permitted 
every thing to Smith's Management, who was peculiarly 
fitted for condu6f:ing fuch an Enterprife, by a good Judg- 
ment, undaunted Courage, and an invincible Induftry and 
Refolution. He immediately fet about the building of 
fames-Town ; and by good Words, fair Promifes, and his 
own Example (himfelf always bearing the greateft Share 
of the Labour and Fatigue) he puflied on the Work with 
fuch Vigor and Diligence, that he had, in a fhort time, 
provided moft of them with Lodgings, negle6f:ing anv for 
himfelf. After which, finding the Jutmnn Superfluity of 
the Savages begin to decreafe, he refolved to fearch the 
Country for Trade. The Want of the Language and a 
fufficient Power, with Cloathing for his Men and other 

Ne- 



Book II. "The History of VIRGINIA, 49 

NeceiTaries, were infinite Impediments to this Defign, but 1607. 
no Difcouragement to his bold and adventurous Spirit. -.— ,— -^ 
For with five or fix more, he went down the River, in a J- R^tdifft 
Shallop, to Kicqmtan; where at firft they fcorned them, as ^''^'''''^"'■ 
poor famifhed Creatures, and would offer, in Derifion, a 
Handful of Corn, or a Piece of Bread, for their Swords, 
Mufkets, or Cloaths. But Smithy finding, that nothing 
was to be had by Trade and Courtefy, ventured to exceed 
his CommifTion, and entered upon fuch Meafures, as Ne- 
ceflity and the Exigency of his Case required. And there- 
fore, having difcharged his Mufkets among them, he ran 
his Boat afliore ; at which the Indians all fled into the 
Woods. Then marching up to their Houfes, they faw "^ 

great Heaps of Corn. But Smith with much ado refl:rained 
his hungry Soldiers from immediately feizing it ; expecSting, 
the Savages would return to affault them, as it foon after 
happened. For fixty or feventy of them, fome painted black, 
fome red, fome white, and fome party-coloured, ilfued out of 
the Woods, finging and dancing, and making a moft hide- 
ous Noife, with their OJcee borne before them. This was 
an Idol, made of Skins, ftuff^ed with Mofs, and all painted 
and hung with Chains and Copper. For there was no 
Place in Virginia found fo barbarous and void of Humani- 
ty, in which they had not a Religion, Deer, Bows, and 
Arrows. In this Savage Manner, being armed with Clubs, 
Targets, Bows, and Arrows, they charged the Englijh^ 
who received them fo warmly with a fecond Volley of 
Mufkets, loaded with Piftol Shot, that down fell their God, 
and feveral of them lay fprawling on the Ground. The 
reft fled again into the Woods, and foon after fent one of 
their Priefts, to redeem their God and offer Peace. ■ Smith 
told him, if only fix would come unarmed, and load his 
Boat with Corn, he would not only reftore their Okee^ but 
would be their Friend, and give them Beads, Copper, and 
Hatchets befides. Which was agreed to, and performed to 
the Satisfa6lion of both Parties. And then they brought 
him Venifon, Turkies, Wildfowl, Bread, and whatever 
elfe they had, finging and dancing in Sign of Friendfhip, 
till he departed. - And in his Return up the River, he dif- 
covered the Town and Country of JVarrafqucake. 

After his Return to 'James-Town^ he made feveral 
Journies by Land, and difcovered the People of Chickaho- 
miny. In one of thefe, Wingfield and Kendall^ feeing 
all things at random in Smith's Abfence, and the Com- 
pany's Scorn of the Prefident's Weakneis and Martin's 
never-mending Sicknefs, took Advantage of the Occafion, 
and combined with the Sailers and others, to regain their 
^ E former 



50 The History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

1607. former Authority, or at leaft to feize the Bark, which 

' y ' Smith had fitted for a trading Voyage, and in her to efcape 

j.Raidiffe^^^ go for England. But ^w/V/;, returning unexpe6ledly, 
with much Difficulty prevented their Defign. For he was 
obHged to turn the Cannon of the Fort upon them, and fo 
force them to Hay or finlc in the River ; which Action coft 
the Life of Captain Kendall. And not long after, their 
new Prefident Ratdijfe and Captain Gabriel Archer intended 
to abandon the Country ", but their Project was likewife 
reftrained and fupprelVed by Smith. The Spaniards was ne- 
ver more greedy of Gold, than he was of Provifions ; nei- 
ther did the reft defire more eagerly to abandon the Coun- 
try, than he to keep it. And therefore, having found 
Plenty of Corn up the River Chickahoininy.^ he went a tra- 
ding Voyage thither, and was received by hundreds of In- 
dians.^ who ftood in divers Places with Bafkets, expeding 
his Coming. And now the Winter likewife coming on, 
the Rivers were fo covered with Swans, Geefe, and Ducks, 
that they daily feafted with good Bread, Virginia Peafe, 
Pumpions, and Paflimnions, and with Fifh, Fowl, and di- 
vers Sorts of wild Bcafts, as fat as they could well eat 
them. So that none of their humourfome and tuftafFety 
Sparks (as Smith calls them) were any longer difcontented, 
or defirous to go to England. 

But Captain Smith's Activity and Induftry, in difco- 
vering the Country, and providing for the Colony, could 
not fcreen him from the vain Exceptions and Murmurs of 
many Idlers at "James-Toivn. He was cenfured by fome, 
and even taxed by the Council, of being too remifs and 
negligent in difcovering the Head of Chickahominy River. 
And therefore foon after, with much Labour in cutting 
away Trees and clearing a Pafiage, he went up as far, as 
his Barge could pafs. And then leaving her in a broad 
Bay, beyond the Reach of the Indians Shot, he himfelf, 
with two Englijh more, and two Indians., proceeded higher 
up in a Canoe. When he left the Barge, he ordered, that 
. none fhould go afhore, till his Return. But he was not 
long gone, before his diforderly and ungovernable Crew 
difobeyed this Command, and thereby gave the Indians an 
Opportunity of furprifing one George Cajfen ; and indeed 
narrowly efcaped being all cut off to a Man. For Ope- 
^ chancanough., Brother to Powhatan., and King of Patnunkey., 

a fubtle and favage Barbarian, was there with three hundred 
Bowmen. And after having extorted from Cajjen., which 
Way his Captain was gone, he put him to Death in a moft 
cruel and barbarous Manner, and then went in Purfuit of 
Smith. 

Captain 




Book II. r/v History of VIRGINIA. 

Captain S?nith had got up twenty Miles higher, a 
mong the Swamps and Marflies at the Head of the River 
and leaving the Canoe to the Care of i^<?/'/;7/»« and Emry^J- ^^"^''Jf'^ 
his two Men, he himfelf was gone to kill fome Provifions. 
Opechancanough firft happened on the two Men, afleep, as 
it was fuppofed, by the Fire ; and {hooting them full of Ar- 
rows, flew them. And then they traced the Captain ; who, 
finding himfelf befet, bound an Indian^ whom he had for , 
his Guide, to his Arm for a Buckler, and received their 
Attack fo fmartly with his Fire-Arms, that he foon laid 
three dead upon the Spot, and fo wounded and galled divers 
others, that none of them cared to approach him. He 
himfelf received a flight Wound in the Thigh, and had 
many Arrows iticking in his Cloaths, but without any great 
Hurt. Having the Indians thus at bay, he endeavoured to 
flieer off to his Canoe ; but regarding them, as he went, 
more than his Way, he fuddenly flipped up to his Middle 
into an oozy Creek. Altho' he was thus hampered, yet none 
of them durft come near him, till, being almofl: dead with 
Cold, he threw away his Arms and furrendered. Then 
drawing him out, they carried him to the Fire, where his 
Men were flain, and carefully chafed his benumbed Limbs. 
For this Winter, 1607, was extremely coid in Virginia^ 
as it was likewife remarkable for an extraordinary Froft in 
Europe. ^^ 

When Sinith was a little recovered, he afked for their 
Captain, and being ihewed Opechancanough., he prefented 
him with a round Ivory double compafs Dial. They won- 
dered greatly at the playing of the Fly and Needle, which 
they could fee fo plainly, and yet not touch, becaufe of the 
Glafs, that covered them. But when he explained by it 
the Roundnefs of the Earth, the Skies, the Sphere of the 
Sun, Moon, and Stars, with other furprifing and unheard 
of Doctrines to them, they all ftood amazed. Yet within 
an Hour after, they tied him to a Tree, and drew up in 
Order to fhoot him. But the King holding up the Com- 
pafs in his Hand, they all laid down their Arms at once. 
And then, with much Triumph, and in martial Order, 
they conducted him to Orapakes., which was a hunting 
Town and Seat, lying on the upper Part of Chickahominy 
Swamp, on the North Side, belonging to, and much fre- 
quented by Pozuhatan and the Imperial Family, on Account 
of the Abundance of Game, it afforded. In their March, 
they drew themfelves all up in File ; and Opechancanough., be- 
ing in the Midft, had the EngliJ]} Swords and Mufkets 
carried before him. Captain Smith came next, led by three 
great Savages, holding him fall by each Arm ; and on either 
E 2 Side 



52 i:he History <?/ VIRGINIA. Book II, 

1607. Side went fix in File, with their Arrows notched. When 

""■ — V 'they arrived at the Town, the Women and Children ftood 

J. Rauliffe ftaring at a human Creature, fo unlike whatever they had 
^^^' before feen ; and the Soldiers, that had taken him, per- 
formed their military Exercife, throwing themfelves with 
great Dexterity into their War-Dance, with ftrange Dif- 
tortions and antic Poftures, finging and yelling out fright- 
ful and inharmonious Notes and Screeches. But they treated 
Smith here very kindly, and feafted him with that P'ormas- 
lity and Abundance, that he fufpe£ted, they intended to 
fatten and to eat him. In the midft of thefe melancholy- 
Thoughts and Surmifes, one of them, in Return for fomc 
Beads and Toys, which Stnith had given him at his firft 
Arrival, brought him his Gown ; which was of fingular 
Service to him, and a very feafonable Defence againft the 
exceflive Coldnefs of the Seafon. 

But whilft his Mind was thus taken up with imaginary 
Deaths, he had like to have met a real one. For a Man 
came violently upon him, and wouid have flain him for 
the Death of his Son, had he not been prevented by his 
Guard, Whether this was one of thofe,, that were wound- 
ed, when Stnith was taken Prifoner, or whether he was 
dying a natural Death, which they, through Ignorance 
and Superftition, attributed to fome Sorcery in Smithy is 
not eafy to be determined. However, they carried him 
to recover the poor Man, breathing out his laft. Stnith 
told them, he had a Water at 'James-Town^ that would do 
it, if they would let him fetch it. But they had more Senfe 
than to permit that, or to truft him out of their Hands, 

They were now making the greateft Preparations they 
could, to aflault James-Town. To this End they defired 
Stnith'^ Advice and Afliftance ^ and, as a Reward, promifed 
him Life, Liberty, Land, and Women. But he reprefent- 
ed to them the extreme Danger and Difficulty of the At- 
tempt y and defcribed the Springing of Mines, great Guns, 
and other warlike Engines, in fuch a Manner, as exceed- 
ingly frighted and amazed them. And then he perfuaded 
fome of them to go to Ja?nes-Town^ under Pretence of 
fetching fome Toys ; and in Part of a Table-Book, he in- 
formed them at the Fort, what was intended, and directed 
them, how to behave and affright the Meffengers, and with- 
out fail, to fend him fuch Things, as he wrote for. Within 
' three Days, the Meffengers returned, through as bitter 
Weather as could be, for Froil and Snow ; and were great- 
ly aftonifhed themfelves, as well as all that heard it, how 
Smith could divine, or the Paper fpeak. For all things 
were delivered them, and had happened at Jatnes-Town^ ac- 
cording as he foretold. All 



Book II. The History of VIRGINIA. 53 

All Thoughts of an Attack upon James-Toivn being 1607. 

therefore laid afide, they led Smith in Show and Triumph '^- — y ' 

about the Country. And firft they carried him to thofe, J. Ratdiffe 
that dwelt on Toughtanund^ or as it is now called, Painun- Prefidenc. 
key River. For the main River, which is fince named York 
River, was then called Pamunkey \ altho' the Country of 
Pamunkey^ over which Opechancanough was King, lay in 
the Fork of the River, and his chief Seat was nearly, where 
the Pamunkey Town now is. From the Toughtanunds they 
led him to the Mattaponies^ the Piankatanks^ the Nantaugh- 
tacunds^ on Rappahanock^ and the Notninies^ on Patowmack 
River. And having palled him over all thofe Rivers, they 
brought him back, through feveral other Nations, to O- 
pechancanough\ Habitation at Pamunkey ; where, with fright- 
ful Howlings, and many ftrange and hellifh Ceremonies, 
they conjured him three Days, to know, as they told him, 
whether he intended them well or ill. After this, they 
brought him a Bag of Gunpowder, which they judged to 
be a Grain, fpringing out of the Earth, as other Grains 
did ; and therefore they carefully preferved it, intending to 
plant it the next Spring, as they did their Corn. And then 
he was invited, and feafled, in a fumptuous Manner, by 
Opitchapan^ fecond Brother to Powhatan^ and next Heir to 
all his Dominions. But here, as in all other Places, none 
of them would touch a Morfel with him ; altho' they 
would feaft very merrily upon what he left. At laft they 
conducted him to Weroxvocomoco^ where Powhatan^ the 
Emperor, was. Werowocomoco lay on the North Side of 
York River, in Glocejier County, nearly oppofite to the 
Mouth of ^eens Creek, and about twenty five Miles be- 
low the Fork of the River. It was at that Time Pow- 
hatans principal Place of Refidence ; altho' afterwards, not 
admiring the near Neighbourhood of the EngliJ})^ he retired 
to Orapakes. 

Powhatan himfelf was a tall, well-proportioned Man, of 
a four Afpe6l, and of a very ftrong and hardy Conrtitution 
of Body. His proper Name was Wahunfonacock \ and he 
had that of Powhatan^ from the Town fo called, near the 
Falls of Ja?nes River, which was the chief Seat and Metro- 
polis of his hereditary Dominions ; and he feems to have 
removed to Weroivocomoco for Conveniency, after he had 
extended his Conquefts far North. For his hereditary 
Countries were only Powhatan., Jrrohattock., about twelve 
Miles lower down, which hath fince been corrupted to 
Haddlhaddocks., Appamatock., Youghtanund., Pa?nunkey., and 
Mattapony ; to which may be added, Werozvocomoco., and 
Kijkiack., or as it hath fmce been called, Cheefecake., be- 
E 3 tween 



54 TZv History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

1607. tween IVilliamjlurg and York. All the reft were his Con- 
■~— ^." — ^quefts; and they were bounded on the South by fames Ri- 
7. Ratdiffc ygj.^ ^jj}^ ^)j ijg Branches, from the Mouth to the Falls, 
and fo acrofs the Country, nearly as high as the Falls of 
all the great Rivers, over Patoxvinack even to Patuxen in 
Maryland. And fome Nations alfo on the Eajiern Shore, 
owned Subjection to him. Thefe Dominions defcended, 
not to his Sons or Children, but lirft to his Brothers, 
whereof he had three, Opitchapan^ Opechancamugh., and 
Catataugh ; and then to his Sifters, according to their Se- 
niority ; and after them to the Heirs male or female of the 
eldeft Sifter, and fo of the reft, but never to the Heirs of 
the xMales. 

H E lived in great barbaric State and Magnificence. 
He ufually had about his Perfon forty or fifty of the talleft 
Men, his Country afforded ; which Guard was, after this 
time, encreafed to two hundred, on Account of the En- 
glifh. Every Night, upon the four Corners of his Houfe 
were placed four Sentinels, each a flight Shot from the 
other ; and every half Hour, one from the main Guard 
hollowed, ftiaking his Finger between his Lips, and every 
Sentinel was obliged to anlWer from his Stand. If any failed, 
an Officer was immediately fent, who beat him extremely. 
At all his ancient Inheritances, he had Houfes, fome of 
them thirty or forty Yards long \ and at every Houfe, Pro- 
vifion for his Entertainment, according to the Seafon. He 
kept as many Women, as he pleafed ; and when he laid 
down, one fat at his Head, and another at his Feet ; but 
when he was up, one fat on his right Hand, and another 
on his left. And as he was weary of them, he beftowed 
them on fuch of his Servants, as had moft pleafed him, or 
beft deferved them at his Hands. 

Altho' both himfelf and People were very barbarous, 
and void of all Letters and Civility, yet was there fuch a 
Government among them, that the Magiftrates for good 
Command, and the People for due Subjection, excelled 
many Places, that would be counted very civil. He had 
under him above thirty inferior Kings or Werowances, who 
had Power of Life and Death, but were bound to govern 
according to the Cuftoms of their Country. However, his 
Will was, in all Cafes, their fupreme Law, and muft be 
obeyed. ' They all knew their feveral Lands, Habitations, 
and Limits to fifli, fowl, or hunt in. But they held all of 
their great Werowance, Powhatan \ to whom they paid 
Tribute of Skins, Beads, Copper, Pearl, Deer, Turkies, 
wild Beaifs, and Corn.' All his SubjeCls reverenced him, 
not only as a King, but as half a God ; and it was curious 

to 




Book II. rhe History of VIRGINIA. 

to behold, with what Fear and Adoration they obeyed him. 

For at his Feet, they prefented whatever he commanded ; 

and a Frown of his Brow would make their greatefl: Spirits J- ^^'''^'jT^ 

tremble. And indeed it was no Wonder ; for he was very 

terrible and tyrannous in punifhing fuch, as offended him, 

with Variety of Cruelty and the moft exquifite Torture. 

W HEN Smith was prefented to him, he was about fixty 
Years of Age, fomething hoary, and of a favage Majefty 
and Grandeur. He fat before a Fire, upon a wooden 
Throne, like a Bedftead, clothed with a great Robe of 
Racoon Skins, and with a Coronet of Feathers about his 
Head. On either Hand, fat a young Wench, of about fix- 
teen or eighteen Years of Age ; and along each Side of the 
Houfe, a Row of Men, and behind them, as many Wo- 
men, painted and adorned in their beft Manner. When 
Smith entered, all the People gave a Shout ; and the Queen 
of Appamatox was appointed to bring him Water to wafti 
his Hands, and another brought a Bunch of Feathers, in- 
itead of a Towel, to dry them. After that, having feafted 
him in their beft Manner, a long Confultation was held ; 
at the Conclufion of which, two great Stones were brought 
before Powhatan^ and Smith was dragged to them, and his 
Head laid thereon, in order to have his Brains beat out with 
Clubs. But Pocahontas^ the King's darling Daughter, 
when no Entreaty could prevail, got his Head into her 
Arms, and laid her own upon it, to fave his Life. Where- 
upon Poivhatan was perfuaded to let him live, to make 
himfelf Hatchets, and her Bells, Beads, and Copper. For 
the King himfelf would make his own Robes, Shoes, Bows, 
Arrows, and Pots ; and would hunt, plant, and do every 
thing elfe, like the reft ; and therefore they thought him 
of all Occupations, as well as themfelves. And befides this 
lurprifing Tendernefs and Affeilion of Pocahontas^ who was 
at that Time about twelve or thirteen Years of Age, Cap- 
tain Smith received many Services from Nantaquaus^ the 
Emperor's Son. He was a Youth of the comelieft and moft 
manly Perfon, and of the higheft Spirit and Courage, of 
any in the Court of Powhatan ; and he embraced Smith''?, 
Intereft with much Warmth and Heartinefs, and did him 
many A61:s of Friendfliip and Kindnefs. 

Two Days after, Powhatan^ having difguifed himfelf 
in the moft frightful Manner, he could, caufed Captain 
Sinith to be carried to a great Houfe in the Woods, and 
there to be left alone on a Mat by the Fire. Not long after, 
from behind a Mat, which divided the Houfe, was made 
the moft doleful Noife, he had ever heard ; and then Pow- 
hatan^ with about two Hundred more, as frightful as him- 
E 4 felf, 



56 Vje History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

1607. felfj came to him, and told him, they were now Friends, 
'^ — > — -'and he fhould immediately go to 'James-Town^ to 
J. Ratcliffe feiij hin-i ^y^Q great Guns and a Grindftone ; for which he 
would give him the Country of Capahozujick^ and ever after 
eileem him, as his Son Nantaquaus. Captain Smith put 
little Confidence in his Words, and expelled every 
Minute, even till he got to "Jatnes-Toiun^ to be put to one 
Kind of Death or other. But Pozuhatan fent him off 
immediately, with twelve Guides ; and having lodged 
that Night in the Woods, he arrived the next Morning 
early at the Fort. 

And thus Captain Smithy after feven Weeks Captivity, 
returned to James-Town^ with the Advantage of being much 
improved in the Knowledge of the Country and their Lan- 
guage. He ufed his Guides with the utmoft Kindnefs ; and 
{hewed Raiubunt^ Poiuhatan^s trufty Servant, two Demi- 
Culverins and a Mill-ftone, to carry to their Mafter. Their 
Weight was fufficient to deter them from the Attempt ; 
but when they faw him difcharge them, loaded with Stones, 
among the Boughs of a great Tree, hung with Icicles, the 
Terror of the Report, and the Ratling of the Boughs and 
Ice, fo frighted the poor Savages, that they ran away, half 
dead with Fear. But having regained fome Conference 
with them, he gave them fuch Toys for themfelves, and 
fent Powhatan^ his Women, and Children, fuch Prefents, 
as gave a general fatisfaftion. 

A T James-Town every thing was in Confufion, and the 
ftrongeft were preparing once more to run away with the 
Bark. But Stnith^ with the Hazard of his Life, forced her 
the third time, to ftay or fink in the River. And the next 
Day, feveral combined with the Prefident, to put him to 
Death by the Levitical Law, for the Lives of Robinfon and 
Emv\\ whom, they faid, he had led to their End, and 
was confequently the Author of their Death. But he quick- 
ly took fuch Order with thofe Lawyers, that he laid them 
by the Heels, till he fent fome of them Prifoners to England. 
And then, by his Relation of the Plenty, he had feen a- 
mong the Natives, efpecially at Werowocomoco., and of the 
State and Bounty of Powhatan^ till then unknown, he very 
much appeafed their Fears, and revived their dead Spirits. 
And Pocahontas^ with her Attendants, ever once in four or 
five Days, brought him fo much Provifion, as faved the 
Lives of many, who mull otherwife have periflied with 
Hunger. Several others alfo of the Natives repaired daily 
to the Fort, with fuch Provifions, as fufficiently ferved 
them from Hand to Mouth. Part they always brought 
Smith, as Prefents from their Kings or Pocahontas ; and he. 



Book II. "The History of VIRGINIA. 

as their Market-Clerk, fet the Price upon the reft. So 
much had he aftoniflied and enchanted thofe poor Souls, 
whilft their Prifoner, that they efteemed him, as a Demi-^- ^a'dijfe 
God, and were ready, at his Beck, to do, whatever he 
commanded. And the God, who created all things, they 
knew, he adored as his God, and would, in their Dif- 
courfe, call him the God of Captain Smith. 

And this their high Opinion was much increafed by the 
Arrival of Captain Newport^ whom S?nith^ among them, 
called his Father, nearly about the time, that he had fore- 
told. For the Treafurer and Council in England fent two 
Ships, the latter End of this Year, with a Supply of Pro- 
vifions, and an hundred and twenty Men. Thefe came, 
well furnifhed with all things, that could be imagined ne- 
ceffary, as Captain Sfnith tells us. But however, we muft 
always make fome Allowance in his Account of thefe things. 
For he was a very great Friend to Sir Thomas Smith ; and 
we fhall fee hereafter, from feveral authentic Papers, but 
efpecially from a Reprefentation of our General Ailembly, 
among the Records in the Capitol., that that Officer was 
moft fcandaloufly negligent, if not corrupt, particularly in 
this Matter of Supplies. One of thefe Ships was com- 
manded by Captain Neiuport^ the other by Captain Francis 
Nelfon., an honeft Man and expert Mariner. But fuch 
was the Lewardnefs of his Ship, that altho' he v/as within 
Sight of Cape Henry., yet by contrary Winds and ftormy 
Weather, he was driven off the Coaft, and forced to the 
Weji-Indies., to repair his Mafts, and to get a Recruit of 
Wood and Water. But before this, the Prefident and 
Council fo much envied Smith\ Efteem among the Natives, 
altho' they all equally participated of the good EfFe6ts of 
it, that to raife their Credit and Authority above his, they 
would give them four times as much for their Commodities, 
as he had appointed. And now, out of Joy for the Ar- 
rival of this firft Supply, and to gratify the Mariners, they 
gave them free Liberty to trade, as they pleafed. So that 
in a ftiort time, what was before bought for an Ounce of 
Copper, could not be had for a Pound. To which Captain 
Newport'^ profufe Prefents to Powhatan were added, and 
gave the finifhing Blow to their Trade. They ferved in- 
deed to entertain and keep up the high Idea of Newport's 
Greatnefs, which S?nith had raifed in Powhatan., and made 
him very defirous to fee him. 

Accordingly the Bark was prepared, and a great 

Coil there was at James-Town to fet him off. Captain 

Smith and Mr. Matthew Scrivener., a difcreet and under- 

ftanding Gentleman, newly arrived and admitted ot the 

,,, ' Council, 




ne History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

Council, attended him with a Guard of thirty or forty 
chofen Men. When they came to Werowocomoco^ New- 
port began to entertain many Fears and Sufpicions of Trea- 
chery. But Synith^ with twenty Men, undertook to en- 
counter the worft, that could happen ; and going afhore, 
was kindly conducted by two or three hundred Indians to 
the Town. Powhatan ftrained himfelf, upon this Occafi- 
on, to the utmoft of his Greatnefs to entertain them, with 
great Shouts of Joy, Orations, and Proteftations, and with 
the moft fumptuous and plentiful Banquet, he could pro- 
vide. He fat on a Bed of Mats, with a Pillow of Leather 
embroidered with Pearl and white Beads ; and was cloathed 
in a Robe of Skins, as large afs an Irifl) Mantle. At his 
Head and Feet, fat a handfome young Woman ; and on 
each Side the Houfe, twenty of his Concubines, with their 
Heads and Shoulders painted red, and a great Chain of white 
Beads about each of their Necks. Before them, fat his 
chief Men, in the like Order ; and above forty Platters of 
fine Bread flood in two Files, on each Side of the Door. 
Four or five hundred People attended, as a Guard ; and 
Proclamation was made, that none, upon Pain of Death, 
fhould prefume to do the EngUfh any Wrong or Difcour- 
tefy. And thus did Smith and he fpend the Day, in a kind 
Renewal of their former Acquaintance, and in feafting, 
and feeing them dance and fing, and play their other Feats 
of Humour and A6tivity. And that Night, the Englijh 
were quartered and lodged by Powhatan. 

The next Morning, Newport came afhore, and they 
fpent three or four Days more in feafling, and dancing, and 
trading. In all which time, Powhatan behaved himfelf with 
fuch Loftinefs and State, and yet with fo much Difcretion, 
that they could not forbear admiring his natural Parts and 
Underftanding. Scorning to trade, as his SubjecSls did, he 
told Newport^ that he efleemed him a great IVerowance^ 
as well as himfelf; that it was not agreeable to their Dig- 
nity to trade, in that pedling Manner, for Trifles ; and 
that therefore, if he would lay down all his Commodities 
together, he would chufe, what he liked, and give him 
their Value. Smith, who was their Interpreter, and knew 
Powhatan's Difpofition, told the Company, his Intent was 
only to cheat them. But Neivport, thinking to out-brave 
this ftately Barbarian in Ofl:entation and Greatnefs, and by 
his Bounty to obtain from him, whatever he pleafed, ac- 
cepted the Condition. And then Poiuhatan, having taken 
what he liked, valued his Corn at fuch a Rate, that they 
had not four Bufhels, for what they expe6f:ed twenty Hogf- 
heads. This bred fome Diftafle between the two Englijh 

Captains i 



Book II. the History of VIRGINIA. 59 

Captains. But Smithy fmothering his Diflike before the 1607. 

Savages, glanced feveral Trifles in the Eyes of Powhatan^ ^--^-v ' 

who foon fixed his Fancy on fome blue Beads. He was a 7 ^"'"'# 
long time importunate to have them ; but Smith ^valued 
them fo much the higher, and told him, they were com- 
pofed of a rare Subftance of the Colour of the Skies, and 
were not to be worn by any, but the greateft Kings in the 
World. This made him the more eager and mad for them; 
fo that, for a Pound or two of blue Beads, he drew from 
him two or three hundred Bufliels of Corn, and yet parted 
in good Friendfliip. Upon this Voyage Newport gave 
Pozuhatan a Boy, named Thomas Savage^ whom he called 
his Son ; and Powhatan gave him Namontack^ a Servant of 
his, of a fhrewd and fubtie Capacity. 

From Werowocomoco they went to Pamunkey^ where 
they were feafted in like Manner by Opechancamugh. 
Smith fitted him alfo, at the fame Rates, with blue Beads ; 
which, by this Means, grew into fuch Eftimation, that none 
durft wear them, but their great Kings, or their Wives and 
Children. At length weighing from thence, they returned 
to ya7nes-Town ; where this new Supply of Corn being 
lodged with the reft, their Store-houfe was by fome Acci- 
dent fired, and fo the Town, which, being thatched with 
Reeds, burnt with that Fiercenefs and Violence, as foon 
confumed their wooden Fortifications, with their Arms, 
Apparel, and Bedding, and much private Goods and Pro- 
vifion. The good Mr. Hunt loft all his Library, with every 
thing elfe, that he had, except the Cloaths on his Back ; 
yet no one ever heard him murmur or repine at it. -~ 

Notwithstanding this unfortunate Accident, 1608. 
they had yet a tolerable Stock of Oatmeal, Meal, and Corn, 
had not the Ship loitered fourteen Weeks in the Country, 
when (he might as well have been gone in fourteen Days. 
For they thereby helped to confume a great Part of the 
Colony's Store, and near all the Provifions, fent to be land- 
ed. When they departed, they left them, what little they 
thought proper to fpare ; which they were glad to receive, 
and make up an Account, highly commending their Care 
and Providence, left they fliould difcourage the Council at 
home from fending any more. Yet thofe Perfons, who 
had either Money, fpare Cloaths, Credit for Bills of Ex- 
change, Gold Rings, Furs, or any fuch valuable Commo- 
dities, were always welcome to this floating Tavern. Such 
was their Neceflity and Misfortune, to be under the Lafh 
of thofe vile Commanders, and to buy their own Provifions 
at fifteen times the Value ; fuffering them to feaft at their 
Charge, whilft themfelves were obliged to faft, and yet 

dare 



6o 'The History of VIRGINIA. Book II.. 

1608. dare not repine, left they fhould incur the Cenfure of being 

— ^- ' fa6lious and feditious Perfons. By thefe Means and Ma- 

J. Ratcliffe nagement, the Colony was rather burthened than relieved, 
by the vaft Charge of this Ship ; and being reduced to Meal 
and Water, and" expofed, by the Lofs of their Town, to 
the moft bitter Cold and Froft, above half of them died. 
Smith indeed and Scrivener endeavoured to correal all A- 
bufes, and to put things into a better Pofture ; but they 
could do nothing to EfFe6l, being overpowered by the Pre- 
fident and his Party, who had long before this laid afide 
their Deference to Sinith'^ Judgment and Management. 

About this time alfo, there fprung up a very trouble- 
fome Se6i: of Gold-finders, which was headed by Captain 
Martin^ and warmly embraced by Newport. There was 
no Thought, no Difcourfe, no Hope, and no Work, but 
to dig Gold, wafli Gold, refine Gold, and load Gold. And 
notwithftanding Captain Smith's warm and judicious Re- 
prefentations, how abfurd it was, to neglecft other things of 
immediate Ufe and Neceflity, to load fuch a drunken Ship 
with guilded Duft ; yet was he over-ruled, and her Re- 
turns made in a Parcel of glittering Dirt, which is found 
in various Parts of the Country, and which they very 
fanguinely concluded to be Gold-Duft. And in her they 
fent home Mr. IVingfield and Captain Archer., to feek fome 
better Place of Employment in England. For they had 
afliimed many empty Titles of Offices here, as Admirals, 
Recorders, Chronologers, Juftices of the Peace and of the 
Courts of Plea, with other fuch idle and infignificant Pre- 
tenfions. 

And now Martin and the Prefident, carrying all things, 
as they pleafed, by their Fa6lion, lived in great Splendor 
by the Sale of the Store's Commodities, as if they had been 
their proper and hereditary Revenue. And the Spring ap- 
proaching, Captain Smith and Mr. Scrivener prepared Fields 
for Corn, and applied themfelves to rebuild "James-Toivn., 
and repair the Church, Store-houfe, and Fortifications. 
But whilft they were all bufily engaged at their feveral La- 
bours, Captain Nelfon., who had been driven ofF the Coaft, 
as was before faid, and as they all thought, loft, unex- 
pe6ledly arrived, to their great Joy. He had been very 
careful and provident, and had fed his Company on what 
he got at the Weji-India Iflands ; fo that the Provifions 
he now landed, joined to their former Store, were fufficient 
to fupport them half a Year, according to their prefent 
Allowance. He himfelf alfo freely imparted, whatever he 
had ; and by his fair and generous Behaviour, he got the 
Good-word and Love of the whole Colony. And the Pre- 
fident, 




Book II. r/?e History of VIRGINIA. 

iident, to fend fome good News by this Ship, ordered 
Captain Smithy with fixty able Men, to difcover the Coun- 
try of the Monacan^ or as they were afterwards called, the J- ^'^t^W^ 
Mauakin Indians; a Nation above the Falls of James- 
River, not fubje6l to Poivhatan^ but profeft Enemies to 
him and his Dominions, For that ftrange Blood-thirftinefs, 
and, as it were, judicial Infatuation, of warring againft 
and exterminating each other, which at prefent infefts our 
Indians^ and has been the Caufe of the utter Extirpation of 
moil of the Nations on this Continent, was even then root- 
ed in their Nature, and may be obferved in the oldeft Ac- 
counts, that we have of them. However as it was the 
Time of planting Corn, and this Ship was to be difpatched. 
Captain Sjnith thought thofe and other things more urgent 
at that time, and therefore deferred the Difcovery, till he 
could perform it with lefs Charge and more Leifure. 

W HEN Newport left the Country, Powhatan prefented 
him with twenty Turkies, and in return demanded twenty 
Swords, which were immediately fent him. Afterwards 
he prefented Captain Smith with the like Number; but 
having no Swords in Return, he was highly offended, and 
ordered his People to take them by Stratagem or Force. 
So that they became infufFerably troublefome and infolent, 
would furprife the EngUJJ) at their Work, and feife their 
Swords at the very Ports of ya?nes-Town. The Prefident 
and Martin^ who now bore the Sway, would keep their 
Houfes, or do any thing, rather than tranfgrefs a ftriift Com- 
mand from England^ not to offend them. But at length 
they happened to meddle with Captain Smithy who gave 
them a rough Encounter, hunted them up and down the 
Ifland, and feifed feven, whom he whipped and imprifon- 
ed. By this and other Imart Proceedings, he brought them 
to Submiifion ; and they unanimoufly confefled, that they 
a6ted by Powhatan\ Direction, in order to get Swords from 
the Englijh^ to cut their own Throats ; and they likewife 
difcovered, how, where, and when, this Defign was to be 
put in Execution ; all which was confirmed by many con- 
current Circumftances. But Powhatan^ finding, that things 
went not according to his Defire and Intent, fent Pocahon- 
tas with Prefents, to excufe himfelf for the Injuries done by 
fome of his ungovernable Captains ; and he defired their 
Liberty for this time, with Aflurances of his Love and 
Friendfhip for ever. And Smith having given them a pro- 
per Correftion, delivered them to Pocahontas ; for whofe 
Sake alone he pretended to fave their Lives, and give them 
their Liberty. Thus, without the Death of one Man, he 
reftrained their Infolence, and brought them into fuch per- 
fect 



62 r/v History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

1608. fe£t Fear and Obedience, that his very Name was fuificient 

~--^ ^ to fright them ; whereas beforj they had fometimes Peace 

J. RMiiffc ^y^^ War twice in a Dav, and feldom a Week pailed without 
fome Treachery or Ambufcadc. But the peaceable Coun- 
cil were highly offended at thefe Proceedings, and expoftu- 
lated warmlv with him for his Raflinefs and Cruelty. 

There had been a Difpute between Martin and SmitJi^ 
whether this Ship fhould be laded with Cedar or Dirt. 
But her Freight being concluded to be Cedar, fhe was, by 
the Diligence of her Captain and Smithy quickly difpatched. 
In her Captain Martin^ being always fickly and unfervice- 
able, and ha\'ing his Head full of the idle Whimfy of a 
Gold Mine, was moft willingly admitted to return to En- 
gland. In thefe two Ships, befides Mr. Scrivener^ came 
Walter Rujfel.^ DoAor of Phyfick, Richard Fetherjione., and 
fome others of Note. And whilft Nelfon and Smith were 
engaged in loading the Ship, Mr. Scrivener was neither idle 
nor flow in carrying on the Works of yames-Town. But 
the Prefident's Prodigality and State went fo deep, and was 
fo fenfibly felt in their fmall Store, that he and Smith were 
obliged to bind him and his Parafites to the Rules of Pro- 
portion. 

On the fecond of June Captain Nelfon fell down the 
River, and was accompanied to the Capes by Smithy who, 
in an open Boat of about three Tons Burthen, together 
with Dr. Rujfel and thirteen more, was going to difcover 
Chcfapeake Bay. Parting with the Ship at Cape Hem-\\ 
they flood over to thofe Iflands, which were then called, 
after him their firfl Difcoverer, Smith's IJJands. The firfl 
People, they faw, were two grim and ftout Indiaris on 
Cape Charles.^ with long Poles, like Javelins, headed with 
Bone. They flernly demanded, what they were, and 
what they wanted ; but grew afterwards more kind, and 
directed them to Accomack^ the Habitation of their IVero- 
ivance. This King treated them very kindly, and was the 
comliefl, moft proper, and civil Indian., they had met with. 
They ipoke the Language of Powhatan., and at that time 
lay under the Misfortune of a flrange Mortality, which 
they attributed to a Miracle. PafEng on from thence, they 
coafled it along, and fearched every Inlet and Bay, that 
feemed proper for Harbours or Habitations ; and many 
Harbours they found for fmall Veflels, but none fit to re- 
ceive large Ships. Then fpying many Iflands out in the 
Bay, they bore up for them ; but before they could reach 
them, there rofe such a Guft of Thunder, Lightning, 
Wind, and Rain, that with great Difficulty they efcaped 
being foundered. Thefe Iflands they named 'Rujfets IJJands., 

after 



Book II. The History <?/ VIRGINIA. 63 

after Dr. RuJ/ei; and thev are the fame with thofe, now 1608. 

called Tanger IJJands. Being in Want of Water, and find- "— — ~v ' 

ing none in thefe Iflands, they were obliged to follow the 7- R'^tdiffe 
next Eaftern Channel, which brought them into the River "^^ ^^^' 
Wighcocomoco^ which is the River now called Pokomoke, 
The Northe^ Point, at the Mouth, thev called IP^atkinsls 
Pointy and a Hill, on the South of Pokomoke Bay, KeeFs 
Hill^ after two of the Company. Running up the River, 
the Natives at firft threatened, with great Fury, to affault 
them ; but at laft became very tra6lable and kind. Thev 
dug in feveral Places, and fearched their Habitations, vet 
could get but little Water, and that mere Puddle. Yet 
fuch was their Diftrefs two Davs after, that they would 
have refufed a Quart full of Gold for a Pint of that Pud- 
dle. 

Departing from thence, thev found on a high Point 
of Land, which they called Point Plover^ a Pond of frefh 
Water, but fo exceedinglv hot, that they fuppofed it to be 
fome Bath. Then ftanding over to fome other Iflands, 
there arofe fuch another Thunder-Guft, that their Alaft 
and Sail was blown overboard, and luch mightv Waves 
over-racked their Boat, that thev could fcarce, with much 
Labour in bailing out the Water, keep her from finking. 
Two Days thev llaid among thefe Iflands, and becaufe of 
the Gufts and Storms, that then happened, they called the 
Place Limbo; but they are the fame, which have fince been 
named JFats's Ijlands. Having repaired the Lofs of their 
Sail with their Shirts, they ftood over again to the Eaftern 
Shore, and fell in with a pretty convenient River, then 
called Cujcaraivock. This is, what is laid down in our pre- 
fent Charts by the Name of Wighcocornoco^ by whatever 
Accident that Name hath fhifted, in Procefs of Time, from 
Pokomoke River to this. Here the Natives oppofed them 
very furioufly ; but leaving fome Toys in their Huts, they 
brought Ibme of them over at lail, to be very fond and 
obliging. On this River lived the Nations of Sarapinagh^ 
Naufe^ Arfeck^ and Nantaquack^ who were the beft Mer- 
chants, and greateft Traders of all the Indians of this 
Country. They had the fineft Furs, and made large 
Quantities of the beft Roanoke ; which was a Sort of white 
Bead, that occafioned as much DilTenfion among thofe 
Barbarians^ as Gold and Silver among Chriftians. Thev 
told the Englijh of, and highly extolled, a great Nation, 
called the Majjatuomecks ; in Search of whom they return- 
ed again, by Limbo^ into the Bay. And finding the Coaft 
of the Eaftern Shore, nothing but (hallow, broken Ifles, 
and for the moft Part without frefli Water, thev ftood away 

from 



64 "^he History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

1608. from thence acrofs the Bay, bearing a little upwards, and 

^- V ^ fell in on the Weftern Side, above the Mouth of Patuxen 

J. Ratcliffc River, againft fome high Clifts, which they called Riccard's 
Prefident. Qj-j^^^^ j^j-q^^ hence they failed thirty Leagues farther 
Northward, without finding any Inhabitants. The Coaft 
was all along well watered, but very mountai|ious and bar- 
ren, except the Vallies, which were rich and fertile, but 
extremely thick wooded, and therefore abounded in Wolves, 
Bears, Deer, and other wild Beafts. They pafTed by many 
Coves and fmall Streams. The firft they found navigable 
for a Ship, they called Bolus River^ becaufe the Clay, in 
many Places under the Clifts, grew up in red and white 
Knobs, like Gum out of Trees, and they concluded it to 
be Bole Armeniac and Terra Sigillata. This River, by it's 
Situation and Bearings, muft be the fame with Patapfco in 
Maryland. 

And now Captain S?nith''s Crew, who at firft feared no- 
•^"* thing fo much as his too hafty Return, began to be very 
much foiled and fatigued. They had laid twelve or four- 
teen Days in that open Boat, were often tired at the Oars, 
and their Bread was fpoiled and rotten with the Rain ; fo 
that they were very importunate with him to return. But 
he reminded them of the memorable Refolution of Sir 
Ralph Lane's Company, in the Difcovery of the River Mo- 
ratuc^ who infifted on his going forward, as long as they 
had a Dog left, which, being boiled with SalTafras Leaves, 
would afford them a rich Repaft in their Return. And he 
told them, what a Shame it would be, to oblige him to 
return, with fo much Provifion, as they then had, when 
they could fcarce fay, where they had been, or give any Ac- 
count of what they were fent to difcover : That they could 
not deny, but he had fhared with them, in the worft of 
what was paft ; and he was willing, to take to himfelf the 
worft Part of what was to come : That it was not likely, 
any thing worfe ftiould befal them, than what had already 
happened ; and that to return was as dangerous, as to pro- 
ceed. He therefore advifed them, to refume their loft 
Courage ; for he was determined not to defift, till he had 
feen the Majfawomecks^ found Patow?nack^ or traced the 
Head of the Bay. But after this, they were detained by the 
Wind and Weather three Days ; which added fuch a Dif- 
couragement, that three or four fell fick, whofe Diffatif- 
fa6lion and piteous Complaints at laft prevailed with him 
to return. 

On the 1 6th of June^ they fell in with the Mouth of 
Patowmack. Their P'ears being now gone, and Men reco- 
vered, they all agreed to take fome Pains in the Difcovery 

of 



Book II. "The History of VIRGINIA. 65 

of that feven-mile broad River. For altho' Smith had been 1608. 

carried over it in his Captivity, yet he knevv^ it not again by^'-""^ ' 

the Mouth. For thirty Miles they found no Inhabitants ; ^- ^'""''i^' 
but afterwards were conducted, by two Savages, up a little 
bayed Creek, towards Nominy^ where they difcovered the 
Woods laid with Ambufcades, to the Number of three or 
four Thoufand Indians^ flrangely grimmed and difguifed, 
and making a horrible fhouting and yelling. They made 
many Bravadoes, and S?nith prepared, with as great feem- 
ing Willingnefs, to encounter them. But commanding 
fome Mufkets to be difcharged on Purpofe, the grazing of 
the Bullets on the Water, together with the Report and 
Eccho of the Woods, fo frighted and amazed them, that 
they threw down their Arms, and became very kind and 
hearty Friends. They owned, they were commanded to 
betray that Party of Englifi^ by the Direction of Poiv- 
hatan^ who was defired fo to do, by fome difcontented 
Perfons at ya?nes-Town^ becaufe Captain Smith obliged them 
to flay in the Country againfl: their Will. They afterwards 
went up the River, as high as they could with their Boat ; 
and were received in fome Places kindly, and in others in a 
hoftile Manner. Up a fmall River, then called ^uiyough^ 
which I take to be Patowmack Creek, was a Mine like 
Antimony. In this the Indians dug, and wafhing away the 
Drofs in a clear Brook, which ran by, they put up the Re- 
mainder in little Bags, and fold it all over the Country, to 
deck their Bodies, Faces, and Idols ; which made them 
look like Blackamores, dufted over with Silver. Newport — 
had carried fome of thefe Bags home, and aflured them, 
that they were found, upon Trial, to contain half Silver. 
Being therefore very eager after this Mine, they obtained 
Guides from fapa-zaws^ King of Patowtnack^ who lived at 
the Mouth of that little River, and went up to it ; but all, ^ 
they got, proved of no Value. ' Towards the Falls of Pa- 
towmack^ they met feveral Parties of Indians in Canoes, 
loaded with the Flefh of Bears, Deer, and other wild 
Beafls, which they generoufly imparted to them ; and in 
divers Places, they faw that Abundance of Fifh, lying with 
their Heads above Water, that their Barge driving among 
them, for Want of a Net, they attempted to catch them 
with a frying Pan. But they found that a bad Inftrument 
to catch Fifh. • 

From Patowmack they fet Sail for Rappahanock^ or as 
it was by many called, Toppahanock River ; where the Cap- 
tain intended to vifit his Captivity-Acquaintance. But their 
Boat, by Reafon of the Lownefs of the Tide, ran aground 
on fome Shoals, at the Mouth of that River, where they 
'1 F fpied 



66 rZv History of VIRGINIA. Book. II. 

1608. fpied many Fifli, lurking in the Sedge. The Captain diverted 

* V 'himfelf by naiUng them to the Ground with his Sword ; and 

J. Ratcliffc jj^g j-ej:}. betaking themfelves to the fame Sport, they took more 
Prefident. ^.^^ j^ ^^ Hour, than they could eat in a day. But Captain 
Smithy taking from his Sword a Fifh, like a Thornback, 
with a long Tail, in the Midft of which was a poifoned 
Sting, of two or three Inches Length, bearded like a Saw 
on each Side, (he ftruck her Sting into his Wrift an Inch 
and a half. No Blood or Wound was feen, but only a lit- 
tle blue Spot ; yet fuch was the Extremity of Pain, and his 
Hand, Arm, and Shoulder, were fo fwoln in four Hours 
Time, that they all, with much Sorrow, expected his 
Death, and prepared his Grave in an Ifland by, as he him- 
felf directed. But it pleafed God, by the Application of an 
Oil, which Dr. RuJJel had with him, his Torment was fo 
eafed and aflwaged before Night, that to the great Joy of 
the Company, he eat of the Fifh for his Supper. And in 
Memory of this Accident, they called the Ifle Stingray If- 
landj after the Name of the Fifh. 

Their Provifions being near fpent, and being alfo de- 
terred by this Misfortune, they fet Sail immediately for 
'James-Town ; and paffing by the Mouths of Piankatank and 
Pamunkey Rivers, they arrived the next Day at Kicquotan. 
Yxom thence they proceeded up to Warrafqiieake ; where 
trimming their Barge with painted Streamers, and other fuch 
Devices, they were taken for a Span'ifl) Frigot at yatnes- 
Town^ where they arrived the 21ft of "July. There they 
found the laft Supply of Men all Tick ; and of the reft, fome 
lame, fome bruifed, and all in a Tumult and Uproar againft 
the unreafonable Pride and Cruelty of the Prefident, whom 
they would as ftrangely have tormented with Revenge, had 
it not been for this feafonable Arrival of the Difcovery 
Barge. He had riotoufly confumed the Store, and had 
greatly harrafled and fatigued the People, in building an 
unnecefTary Houfe of Pleafure for himfelf in the Woods. 
But their Fury was much appeafed, by the good News of 
this Difcovery, and by the Hopes, from fome miftaken In- 
terpretation of the Savage's Account, that our Bay reached 
to the South-Sea^ or fomewhere near it ; but above all, by 
the depofing Ratcliffe^ and Captain Smiths taking the Go- 
vernment upon himfelf. 
John Smith S^i'^h fubftituted his good Friend Mr. Scrivener^ who 
Prefident. then lay exceeding ill of a Calenture, in the Prefidency ; 
Mat. Scri. and having fettled all things to his own, and the People's 
;; Jj„;"- Satisfaaion, he ftaid but three Days at James-Town. For 
the 24th of y«/y, he fet forward, with twelve Men, to fi- 
nifh the Difcovery of the Bay. They were detained two 

or 




Book 11. r/v History of VIRGINIA. 

or three Days at Kicqiiotan^ by contrary Winds, where 
they were kindly entertained and f'eafted by the King, and 
in Diverfion fired feveral Rockets, which greatly terrified '^^'''- '^f''" 
and aftoniflied the poor Savages. From thence they an- p^^.j-jj^.^^^ 
chored, the firft Night, at Stingray Ifland ; and the next 
Day, crofling the Mouth of" Patowjnack^ they hafted to 
the River Bolus. A little beyond that, they found the Bay 
divided into four Streams, all which they fearched, as far 
as they could fail. Two of them they found inhabited, the 
Rivers Suf^uefahanock^ and Tockwogh^ fince called SaJJafras 
River. In crofling the Bay, they met feven or eight Ca- 
noes, full of MaJJ'awomecks^ a great and powerful Nation 
of hid'ia7is inhabiting upon fome of the Lakes of Canada., 
and the Original perhaps of thofe, at prefent known by the 
Name of the Senecas or ^.v Nations. They were at that 
Time profeft Enemies, and a great Terror, to the Nations 
dwelling on the upper Part of our Bay, and had then been 
at War with the 'Tockivoghs. After mutual Threats of Af- 
fault between them and the Englijh^ they were at lafl: in- 
duced to go on board the Barge ; and by interchangeable 
Prefents becoming good Friends, they departed without 
farther Intercourfe or Converfation. 

The next Day, entering the River Tockwogh^ they were 
invironed with. a Fleet of Canoes, full of armed Men. But 
coming to a Parley, and the Tockwoghs feeing the Majfa- 
womeck Arms, which they had prefented to the Englljh the 
Day before, and which the EngUflj made them believe, 
they had taken in War, they were foon reconciled, and 
condu6fed them to their Town. It was pallifadoed round, 
mantled with the Barks of Trees, had Scaffolds, like 
Mounts, and was breafted very formally. The Men, Wo- 
men, and Children did their utmoft to exprefs their Affec- 
tion ; and welcomed them with Songs, Dances, Fruits, 
and Furs, and with whatever elfe they had. Here they 
faw many Hatchets, Knives, and Pieces of Iron and Brafs, 
which, they told them, they had from the Sufquefahanocks., 
a mighty Nation, dwelling on the chief of the four Bran- 
ches at the Head of the Bay, two Days Journey above the 
Falls of that River. They- prevailed with two Tockwoghs 
to go and invite fome of the Sufquefahanocks to them. In 
three or four Days, fixty of thofe gigantic People came 
down, with Prefents of various Kinds ; and the Wind being 
two high for their Canoes, five of their chief Werowances 
came boldly on board the Englijh Barge, and croffed the 
Bay to Tockwogh. 

•This Nation of the Sufquefahanocks could mufter a- 

bout fix Hundred fighting Men, and lived in pallifadoed 

F 2 Towns, 




r/:e History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

Towns, to defend themfelves againft the Majfawomecks^ 
their mortal Enemies. They were very large, well-pro- 
portioned Men, and appeared like Giants to the Englifh 
and other Indians ; yet feemed of an honeft and fimple Dif- 
pofition, and were fcarcely reftrained from adoring "the En- 
glijh^ as Gods. And their Language and Attire were very 
fuitable to their Stature and Appearance. For their Lan- 
guage founded deep, and folemn, and hollow, like a Voice 
in a Vault. Their Attire was the Skins of Bears and 
Wolves, fo cut, that the Man's Head went through the 
Neck, and the Ears of the Bear were faftened on his Shoul- 
ders, while the Nofe and Teeth hung dangling down upon 
his Breaft. Behind was another Bear's Face fplit, with a 
Paw hanging at the Nofe. And their Sleeves, coming down 
to their Elbows, were the Necks of Bears, with their Arms 
going through the Mouth, and Paws hanging to the Nofes. 
One had the Head of a Wolf, hanging to a Chain, for a 
Jewel ; and his Tobacco Pipe was three Quarters of a Yard 
long, carved with a Bird, a Deer, and other Devices at 
the great End ; which was fufficient to beat out a Man's 
Brains. They meafured the Calf of the largeft Man's Leg, 
and found it three Quarters of a Yard about, and all the 
reft of his Limbs were in Proportion ; fo that he feemed 
the ftatlieft and moft goodly Perfonage, they had ever be- 
held. His Arrows were five Quarters long, headed with 
the Splinters of a white chryftal-like Stone, in Form of a 
Heart, an Inch broad, and an Inch and half, or more, long. 
Thefe he carried at his Back, in a Wolfs Skin for his Qui- 
ver, with his Bow in one Hand, and his Club in the other.* 

_The Manner of the Englijlo was daily to have Prayers 
with a Pfalm ; at which Solemnity thofe poor Barbarians 
wondered greatly. Prayers being done, the Sufquefahanocks 
held a Confultation ; and then began in a very paflionate 
Manner to hold up their Hands to the Sun, with a moft 
frightful Song. Then embracing Captain Smithy they be- 
gan to adore him in like Manner. He rebuked them for 
it; but they perfifted, till their Song was finifhed. After 
which, with a ftrange furious Adion, and a difmal Voice, 
they began an Oration of their Love ; which ended, they 
covered him with a large painted Bear's Skin. One ftood 
ready with a great Chain of white Beads, weighing fix or 
feven Pounds, which he hung about his Neck. The others 
had eighteen Mantles, made of divers Sorts of Skins fewed 
together ; all which, with many other Baubles, they laid at 
his Feet, ftroaking their Hands 'about his Neck, for his Cre- 
ation to be their Governor and Protedor. They promifed 
him Aids of Men and Viduals, and even ofi^ered all, that 

they 



Book II. rZv History ^/VIRGINIA. 69 

they had, if he would ftay with them, to defend and re- 160S. 

venge them on the Maffaivomecks. But he was obHged to ' .^ -^ 

leave them at Tochvoph. very forrowful for his Departure ; Matt.&cn- 
yet promiled to vilit them again the next Year. ^^^^ ^xd\A^nt.. 
knew nothing of Poiuhatan and his Territories, but the 
Name ; and they informed the EngUPi^ that their Hatchets 
and other Commodities came originally from the French of 
Canada. 

Having fearched all the Rivers and Inlets, worth 
Note, they pafled down the Bay, naming all the remark- 
able Head-lands and Places after fome of the Company or 
their Friends. On the River Pntuxen they found the Peo- 
ple tractable and civil above all others. They, as well as 
the Patoiutnacks^ were very urgent with Smith to revenge 
them on the Majfaxvomecks^ which he promifed to do, but 
was afterwards croffed in his Purpofe. For depending upon 
the Affiftance and Provifions of thofe two Nations, and of 
the Sufquefahanocks^ he was very willing to hazard his Per- 
fon in the Expedition ; and therefore, after his Return, he 
petitioned the Council for forty Men, to effe6l fuch a Con- 
queft and Difcovery. But the Council, envying his In- 
duftry and Succefs, and deterred perhaps alfo bv the Diffi- 
culty of the Undertaking, refufed to rifque the Lives of fo 
many Men, in fo long and fo dangerous an Enterprife. 

In the Difcovery of Rappahanock River, they were 
kindly received and entertained by the People of Moraugh- 
tacund. Here they met with an old Friend and Acquain- 
tance, one Mofco^ a lufty Indian of Wighcocomoco on the 
River Patowmack. They fuppofed him fome Frenchman's 
Son, becaufe, he had a thick, black, bufhy Beard, and the 
Indians feldom have any at all. And he was not a little 
proud of this, and to fee fo many of his Countrymen. He 
was very officious and ufeful to the Englijh ; and advifed 
them, by all Means not to pafs over to the Rappahanocks^ 
who would certainly kill them for being Friends with the 
Moraughtacunds^ who had lately ftolen three of their 
King's Women. But thinking, he only faid this to fecure 
their Trade to his Friends, they crofled the River to the 
Rappahanocks. There, under pretence of Trade, they were 
invited up Rappahanock Creek, where they had laid an Am- 
bufh ; and after a fmart Skirmifh, in which many Indians 
were flain and wounded, the Englijh came off Victors with- 
out the leaft Hurt. Having driven them up into the Woods, 
they feized three or four Canoes, full of Commodities, 
which, with fome Arrows, they had gathered up, they 
prefented to Mofco for his Kindnefs. And he, on his Part, 
received them in the moft triumphant Manner, and in the 
F 3 beft 




70 "The History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

1638. beft martial Order under Arms, that he could procure of 

"^ the Moraiightacunds. 

They fpent the reft of the Day in fitting up their 

' Boat with a Breaft-work of Majfawomeck Targets, which 
they had received from them, as Prefents, at the Head of 
the Bay, and which had been of fingular Ufe in the Battle 
with the Rappahamcks. They were made of fmall Twigs, 
woven together fo firmly with ftrings of wild Hemp and 
Silk-grafs, that no Arrow could poffibly pierce them. The 
next Morning, they fet Sail up the River ; and Mofco fol- 
lowed along the Shore, and at laft defired to go with them 
in the Boat. As they pafied by Pifacack^ Matchopeake^ and 
Mecuppofu^ three Towns, fituate on the North Side of the 
River, on high, white, clay Clifts, with a low Marfh over 
againft them, and the River but narrow (the Place, where 
the Bri/iol Works now are) thirty or forty Rappahamcks 
had fo difguifed themfelves with Branches, that they took 
them for little Buflies, growing in the Sedge. They faw 
their Arrows often ftrike againft the Targets, and drop 
into the River ; and at laft Mofco^ falling flat on his Face 
in the Boat, cried out ; The Rappahamcks. They soon per- 
ceived them to be the Bufties in the Sedge, which at the 
firft Volley fell down. And when they had pafled about 
half a Mile further, they again fliewed themfelves, finging 
and dancing very merrily. But they were kindly treated 
by the reft of the Nations to the Falls, and they even ufed 
their utmoft Intereft with Mofco^ to bring the EngUJh to 
them. Between Secobeck^ on the South, and Maffaiuteck., 
on the North Side of the River, there was a fmall Ifland or 
two, which made the River broader, than ordinary. Here 
Mr. Richard Fetherjlone., one of their Company died ; who, 
trom his firft coming to the Country, had behaved himfelf ho- 
neftly, valiantly, and induftrioufly. They buried him in a little 
Bay, which they then called Fetherjhne\ Bay., with a Volley 
of their Arms. But the reft of the laft Supply, who had, on 
the Expedition, been miferably fick and harrafied with their 
Seafoning, had by this time perfectly recovered their Health. 
The next Day, they failed up as high, as their Boat 
could go, fetting up Croftes, and carving their Names on 
the Trees ; which they conftantly did at all the higheft 
Places, they went to. As they ranged about at the P^alls, 
the Sentinel faw an Arrow fall by him; and giving the A- 
larm, they perceived about an hundred nimble Indians., 
fkipping from Tree to Tree, and letting fly their Arrows as 
faft, as they could. But after half an Hour's Skirmifti, they 
all vanifhed as fuddenly, as they came. As the Englifh re- 
turned from the Purfuit, they found an Indian., lying as 

dead. 



Book II. "The History of VIRGINIA. 71 

dead, fhot in the Knee. Mofco^ who had been of great 1608. 
Service in the Battle, was as furious to beat out his' ^ -^ 
Brains, as ever Doe was againft a Bear. But protecting Matt Sen- 
him trom his Rage, and carrying him to the burgeon, who prefident. 
attended to cure the Captain's Hurt of the Stingray, he 
was within an Hour fo far recovered, that he both eat and 
fpoke. He was Brother to the King of Hajjininga^ one 
of the four Nations of the Mannahocks. Thefe were a Peo- 
ple, dwelling above the Falls of Rappahanock^ Neighbours to, 
and in ftri6l Friendfhip and Alliance with the Manakins a- 
gainft Poivhatan and his Territories. For the Manakins 
were not confined to one Place or Town, as is vulgarly 
thought, but fpread all that Country, from a fmall Difl:ance 
above the Falls of James River up to the Mountains, in fe- 
veral Towns ; and they were the Heads or Chiefs of the 
League and Confederacy of the upland and mountain Indians 
againft the Power and Tyranny of Powhatan. Thefe 
Mannahocks., their Neighbours and Allies, lived on fmall 
Streams, in a hilly Country, chiefly by hunting •, and were 
then come down to fifli at Mohafkahod., a fmall hunting 
Town, on the North Side of the Falls of Rappahanock^ and 
the Boundary between them and the Nantaughtacunds., a 
large Nation on the navigable River, below the Falls. The 
EngUfi afked their Prifoner ; Why they had endeavoured 
to deftroy them, who came to them in Peace, to feek their 
Friendfhip. He anfwered, that they heard, the Englijh 
were a People, come from under the World, to take their 
World from them. Being afked ; how many Worlds, he 
knew, he faid, he knew none but that, which was under 
the Sky, that covered him, and which confifled of the 
Poiuhatans., the Manakins., and the MaJfazvo?nccks. And 
he told them, that the laft dwelt on a great. Water, had 
many Boats, and fo many Men, that they warred on all 
the World befides. After many other Queflions concern- 
ing the Country, efpecially beyond the great Mountains, to 
which he could give no fatisfa6lory Anfwers, they prefented 
him with fome Toys, and perfuaded him to go along with 
them. But he prefled them much to ftay the coming of 
the Mannahock Kings, who, for their good Ufage to him, 
fhould be their Friends. And notwithflanding Mofco\ eager 
Reprefentations to be gone, they refolved to ftay till Night, 
preparing themfelves to entertain, whatever fhould come. 

All this while the King of HaJJininga was feeking the 
reft, and held a long Confultation, what to do. When the 
Englijh had weighed, and were gone, they followed them 
all Night, yelling, and hollowing, and fliooting their Arrows, 
and would come to no Terms or Difcourfe. But in the 
F 4 Morn- 




'The History ^/VIRGINIA. Book II. 

Morning, being brought to a Parley, Amoroleck^ the Prifo- 
ner, held a long Difcourfe with them. He told them, how 

Matt. &'-/-good the EngUjh were, and how kindly they had uied him ; 

PrefidrnT' ^^'^^ ^^^J ^^^ ^ Patowjnack with them, that loved them as 
his Life, and would have (lain him, had they not prevented 
it ; and that he might have his Liberty, if they would be 
Friends ; to which he advifed them by all means, fince to 
do them any Hurt was impoflible. Upon this they all hung 
their Bows and Quivers upon the Trees ; and one came 
fwimming aboard with a Bow tied on his Head, and ano- 
ther with a Quiver of Arrows. Having prefented them to 
the Captain, he ufed them very kindly, and told them, that 
the other three Kings fhould do the fame, and then the 
great King of his World fhould be their Friend. This was 
no fooner demanded, than performed ; and fo going afhore 
on a low morafs Point of Land, thofe four Kings came, 
and received Amoroleck. And after many mutual Civilities 
and Prefents, the Englijh departed, leaving four or five 
hundred Mannahocks^ finging, and dancing, and making 
loud and barbarous Rejoicings. 

In their Return down the River they vifited all their 
Friends, who rejoiced much at their Vidtory over the Man- 
nahocks. By their Intreaty, Captain Smith was induced to 
make Peace with the Rappahanocks ; upcn Condition, that 
they fhould prefent him the King's Bow and Arrows, and 
not offer to come armed, where he was ; and that they 
fhould be Friends with the Moranghtacunds^ his Friends, 
and give their King's Son a Hoftage for the Performance. 
Accordingly, the King's of Nantaughtacund and Pifafack 
met the Englijh at the Place, where they firfl fought. 
There the King of Rappahanock prefented his Bow and Ar- 
rows, and performed all, they demanded, except the de- 
livering his Son. For having no other, he faid, he could 
not live without him ; and he offered in his Stead, to give 
up the three Women, which the Moraughtacunds had 
ftolen from him. This was accepted ; and the Women 
being brought. Captain S?nith prefented each of them with 
a Chain of Beads, Then caufing the King of Rappahanock^ 
of Moraughtacund., and Mofco to ftand before him, he bid 
the King of Rappahanock take her, he loved beft, Mo- 
raughtacund to chufe next, and to Mofco he gave the third. 
And thus was the Peace concluded and celebrated with 
feafling, finging, and dancing. And Mofco^ to exprefs his 
Love to the Englijh^ changed his Name to Uttafantafough^ 
which fignified in their Language, Stranger^ and was the 
Name, by which they called the Englijh. And then all 
the Indians^ promifing to be always their Friends, and to 

plant 



Book II. V:e History ^/^ VIRGINIA. 73 

plant Corn purpofely for them; and the Englijly^ on their '608. 
Side, to provide Hatchets, Beads, and Copper for them ; """ — ■< — ;^ 
they departed, giving them a Volley of their Fire-Arms, Matt. Scn- 
which they returned with as loud Shouts and Cries, as their p^gj-jj^j^^^ 
Strengths could utter. 

That Night they anchored in the Ravcv Piankatank^ 
and difcovered it, as high as it was navigable. But the 
People were gone out to hunting, except a few old Men, 
Women, and Children, that were tending their Corn. Of 
thefe they obtained a Promife of Part, when they fliould 
fetch it ; as they had lilcewife done of all the Nations, 
where-ever they had been. Going from thence to Point 
Comfort^ they where in a Bay on the South of the 
Mouth of Tork River, then called Gojhold's Bay^ furprifed, 
in the Night, with fuch a fudden Guft of Thunder and 
Rain, that they never expe6led more to fee "James-Town. 
But difcerning the Land by the Flafhes of Lightening, they 
avoided fplitting on the Shore ; till, by the Help of the 
fame Light, they found Point Comfort., where they landed, 
and refrelhed themfelves the reft of the Night. 

Having difcovered fo many Nations at a Diftance, 
they thought it highly proper and necefl'ary to know their 
near Neighbours, the Chefapeakes and Nandfamonds., of 
whom they had, as yet, only heard. Therefore fetting Sail 
for the Southern Shore, they entered a narrow River, then 
called Chefapeake^ but now Eljdbeth., on which the Town 
of Norfolk ftands. It had a good Channel, but fome Shoals 
about the Entrance. They failed up fix or feven Miles, 
and faw two or three little Garden-plots with Houfes, and 
the Shores overgrown with the largeft Pines, they had ever 
feen in the Country. But neither feeing, nor hearing any 
People, and the River being very narrow, they returned 
back, and coafted the Shore towards Nandfa7nond^ which 
they found to be chiefly Oyfter-Banks. At the Mouth of 
Nandfamond., they fpied fix or feven Indians., making their 
Weirs, who prefently fled. But the Englijh went afhore, 
and threw divers Toys, where they were working, and fo 
departed. They were not gone far, before the Indians re- 
turned, and began to fing, and dance, and call them back. 
One of them came voluntarily into their Boat, and invited 
them up the River to his Houfe, which was in a little 
Ifland, where (as well as on the main Land againft it) they 
faw many and large Corn-fields. He treated them with 
great Civility, and they in return, prefented him, his 
Wife, and Children, with fuch Toys, as highly pleafed 
them. By that time the others being come, invited them 
higher up the River, under Pretence of going to their 
12 Houfes 



74 T^Af History of VIRGINIA. Book 11. 

1708. Houfes likewife. But they foon found, that they only in- 

^— ^~r tended to decoy them up into the Narrows of the River, 

Mat. Scri- vvhere the whole Nations of the Nanfamonds and Chefapeakes 
Prefidlnt!" '^^'■^ in Ambufh to receive them. Having difcovered the 
Treachery, they made the beft of their Way down into 
the Open, amidft the Shot of three or four Hundred Indi- 
ans., which they returned from their Mufkets with fuch Ef- 
fed, that they foon made them glad to take Shelter behind 
the Trees, Above an hundred Arrows ftuck in their Breaft- 
work of Majfawomeck Targets, and about the Boat, yet 
none was hurt. Only Anthony Bagnall., the Surgeon, was 
(hot in his Hat, and another in the Sleeve. Having gained 
the Open againft the Ifland, they feized on all their Canoes, 
and refolved, upon Confultation, to burn every thing on the 
Ifland at Night. In the mean while, they began to cut to 
Pieces their Canoes ; at the Sight of which the Indians threw 
down their Arms, and fued for Peace ; which the Englijh 
granted, on Condition, they would bring their King's Bow 
and Arrows, with a Chain of Pearl ; and fhould, when 
they came back again, give them four hundred Bafkets of 
Corn. Otherwife they threatened, to break all their Ca- 
noes, to burn their Houfes and Corn, and to deftroy all, 
that they had. To thefe Conditions the Indians molt joy- 
fully agreed ; and flocking down in great Numbers with 
their Bafkets, they foon loaded the Boat with Corn, and 
fo parted good Friends. 

And thus having viewed and reconnoitred all the Places 
on the Bay, one of the finefl: perhaps and moft commodious 
Countries in the World, which Nature feems to have form- 
ed for one noble and complete Dominion, but which is fince 
unhappily divided by the large Grant to the Lord Baltimore., 
and having pafled about three thoufand Miles, according to 
their own Computation, in that fmall and open Boat, and 
in the Midft of many barbarous and favage Nations, they 
returned with Joy and Triumph to James-Town., where 
they arrived fafe the 7th of September.^ 1608. There they 
found Mr. Scrivener., and feveral others, well recovered ; 
fome fick ; many dead ; the late Prefident a Prifoner for 
Mutiny ; and the Corn, by Mr. Scrivener s honeft Diligence, 
gathered ; but the Provifions in the Store much injured by 
the Rain. 
" But whilft Captain Smith and others were thus induftri- 
cufly engaged in making good this Settlement, the Second 
or Northern Colony, granted by the Letters patent to the 
Town of Pli?nouth and others, was embraced and under- 
taken by feveral Perfons of Fortune and Diftin6tion, and 
particularly by Sir John Popham, Lord Chief-Juftice of En- 
gland. 



Book 11. T^v History of VIRGINIA. 75 

gland. He was a Gentlemen of one of the greateft Families 1608. 

in the Weft of England.^ but is memorable to all Pofterity ' — y ^ 

for his infamous Partiality and Injuftice in the Trial of Sir^^'^'- ^'^f'- 
PValter Ralegh. However, he was a Perfon, at that Time, p^'J-j !."' 
of great Power and Intereft, and in high Efteem with ma- 
ny for Wifdom and Virtue ; and having procured Men and 
Money, he fent Captain George Pophatn^ as Prefident, Cap- ' 
tain Ralegh Gilbert., as Admiral, and many other Gentle- 
men in feveral Ports and Offices, with an hundred Men, to 
pollefs and fettle the Country. They fet Sail from Pli- 
mouth., the laft oi Alay., 1607, and fell in with fome Iflands, 
then called Monahigan. From thence they proceeded to 
the Continent, and fettled upon a verj^barren and rocky 
Coafi:, at the Mouth of Sagadahock., a large navigable River, 
which muft be either the River Saco in New-England.^ or 
elfe St. Juan in Acadia. But that Winter was fo extreme- 
ly cold and frozen, that they could not range much about, 
nor fearch the Country ; and their Provifion was fo fcanty, 
that they were obliged to fend all, except forty five of their 
Company back. Captain Popham., their Prefident, died 
foon ; and not long after, they were informed by the Ships 
that brought them Supplies, of the Death of the two prin- 
cipal Promoters and Supporters of the Undertaking, the 
Lord Chief-Juftice Popham., and Sir John Gilbert. This 
lafl: Gentleman, who was Brother, or perhaps rather Ne- 
phew, to the famous Sir Hianphry Gilbert., before-men- 
tioned, was chofen Prefident of the Council for the Nor- 
thern Colony. His Brother, Captain Ralegh Gilbert., Ad- 
miral of this Colony, fucceeding to his Eftate, was obliged 
to return to England., to enter upon his Inheritance, and 
take Care of his Affairs. And the reft alfo, being doubtful 
of proper Afliftance and Encouragement, and having no 
Profpe6t in the Country, but of the moft extreme Mifery 
and Famine, all returned to England this Year 1608. And 
thus was this Plantation begun and ended in one Year; and 
that vaft Grant, in which lay large Tra6ts of fine and no- 
ble Country, was ftigmatized in the Grofs, and defpifed, 
as a cold, barren, mountainous, and rocky Defert. 

About this Time alfo, Captain Henry Hudfon difco- 
vered Long-Ijland., Nezu-Tork., Hudfon' % River, and the 
Parts adjacent. As the Englijh were bufily employed in 
their own Difcoveries and Settlements, he could hope for 
but little Advantage from his own Country ; and therefore 
he applied himfelf to the States-General of the United Pro- 
vinces, and fold this important Difcovery to them. But 
this Sale was always excepted againft by the Englijh., as the 
Difcovery was made by his Majefty's Commiffion, and the 

Sale 



•vcncr 



Vic 



76 ''ihe History of VIRGINIA. Book 11. 

160S. Sale paffed without the King's Confent, to whom, of Right, 
""- — -r—^ all new Lands and Difcoveries belong. However, the Dutch 
Mat. Scri- crept in by Degrees, built new Amjierdam., and other Towns, 
""^'"'ftrongly fortified themfelves, planted, and became a flourifh- 
ing Colony. 

Doctor IVhitgift., Arch-Bifbop of Canterbury., a Man 
of a mild and gentle Difpofition, having died four Years be- 
fore this, was fucceeded in that high Preferment by Dr. 
Richard Bancroft., a Perfon of a quite different Temper. 
He had very high Notions with Relation to the Government 
of both Church and State ; and was accordingly a great 
Stickler for, and Promoter of, the King's abfolute Power, and 
failed not to take all Occafions, to oblige the Puritans to con- 
form to the Church of England. This Prelate's Harfhnefs 
and Warmth caufed many of that People to take the Refo- 
lution this Year of fettling themfelves in Virginia., and fome 
were adually come off for that Purpofe. But the Arch- 
bifhop finding, that they were preparing in great Numbers 
to depart, obtained a Proclamation from the King, forbid- 
ding any to go, without his Majefty's exprefs Leave. And 
this was the more readily granted, as the Court mortally 
hated that Seft, and were now afraid, that they would be- 
come too numerous and too powerful in Virginia. 
John Smith I N Virginia., on the lOth of Septeinber., by the Ele61:ion of 
the Council, and the Requeft of the Colony, Captain Smith 
was invefted with the Government ; which, till then, he 
would by no Means accept, tho' often importuned to it. 
And now the building of Ratclijfys Palace was flopped, and 
Works of more immediate Uie and Neceflity undertaken. 
The Church was repaired ; the Store-houfe new covered ; 
and a Place made ready for the Reception of the Supplies, 
they daily expe6led from England. The Fort was reduced 
into Form ; the Order of the Watch was renewed; the 
Troops trained at each Setting of the Watch ; and the 
whole Company every Saturday exercifed, in the Plain to- 
wards the ^Vef^ which was prepared for that Purpofe, and 
called Smith field; where fometimes above an hundred In- 
dians would rtand in Amazement, to behold how a File 
would batter a Tree, where the Prefident had made them 
a Mark to flioot at. And now being the Time of gathering 
Corn, and of Plenty among the Indians., the Boats were trim- 
med for Trade, and fent out under the Command of Lieute- 
nant P^'/rj'. But in their Way, meeting Captain Newport Wxth. 
the fecond Supply, he brought them back to James-Toiun. 

C A P T A 1 ^ A^ewport was in reality an empty, idle, in- 
terefted Man ; very fearful and fufpicious in Times of Dan- 
ger and Difficulty ; but a very great and important Perfon 

in 



Prefid^ 



ent. 




Book II. T/v History <?/ VIRGINIA. 

in his own Tallc and Conceit. He had, by the Advantage 
of going to and fro, gained fo much upon the Ear and' 
Confidence of the Council and Company in England^ that J"'"' ^""'^^ 
whatever he propofed, was, for the moft part, concluded 
and refolved on. And upon this Voyage, he obtained a 
private Commiilion, not to return without a Lump of Gold, 
a Certainty of the South-Sea^ or one of the lofl: Company, 
fent out by Sir Walter Ralegh. Befides, he brought an 
exprefs Command, to difcover the Country of the Mana- 
kins^ with a Barge, for Conveniency of Carriage, to be 
taken into five Pieces, which they were to carry beyond 
the Falls, to convey them to the South-Sea. He likewife 
brought over a Crown for Poivhatan^ with Orders for his 
Coronation, and Prefents of a Balbn and Ewer, Bed, Bed- 
ftead, Cloaths, and other coftly Novelties ; which ftately 
Kind of Court had this bad Effe61:, that it made him value 
himfelf too much, and overrate his Favour, which they had 
before much better for a plain Piece of Copper. In this 
Voyage came over many Perfons of DifUndion ; Captain 
Peter Wynne., and Captain Richard Waldo., two old Soldiers 
and valiant Gentlemen, both appointed of the Council; Mr. 
Francis Wejl., Brother to the Lord Delawarr ; Ralegh Cro- 
Jhaw., 'John Rujfel., John Codrington^ Daniel Tucker., Mr. 
Hunt., Thomas Forejl., and others, to the Number of feven- 
tv Perfons. In this Ship likewife arrived Mrs. Forejl^ and 
Anyie Burras., her Maid, the firfl: EngUJlnvomen ever in this 
Country. And eight Poles and Gerinans were fent, to make 
Pitch, Tar, Glafs, Mills, and Soap-Afhes ; which, when 
the Country was repleniflied with People and Neceflaries, 
would have done exceedingly well, but in that their infant 
State, they were only a Burthen and Hindrance to the reft, 
who were fufficiently puzzled and employed to find Sub- 
fiftance for themfelves. 

Captain Smith., whofe Mind was folid and provident, 
and plainly forefaw the ill Confequence of fpending that Time 
in thefe Projects, which ought to be employed in the fpeedy 
Dii'patch of the Ship, and in trading and laving in a Store 
of Provifions for the Year, was much mortified and per- 
plexed with thefe Orders, and ftrenuoufly oppofed their Ex- 
ecution in Council. But Netuport undertook to freight the 
Bark of twenty Tons with Corn, in going and returning 
from the Manakins ; and to obtain another Load for her of 
Powhatan., from Weroxvocomoco. He alfo promifed a large 
Proportion of Vi6luals from the Ship ; which he was fo far 
from performing, that the Colony was obliged to fpare him 
three Hogflieads of Corn to vi£tual him homeward. In 
fliort, he reprefented Smith's Oppofition, as a mere Device, 

to 



78 the History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

1608. to hinder his Journey, that he might himfelf efFe6l the Dif- 

'-— ^ ■ covery ; and he faid, that his Cruehy to the Indians might 

John Smith ^gU ^g ^ Means to hinder thefe Defigns, and to make them 

rei enc. ^^^j^ Revenge. Smith's Opinion being therefore over-ruled 

by the unanimous Voice of the Council, all other Works and 

Defigns were laid afide, and an hundred and twenty chofen 

Men appointed for Newport's Guard on the Expedition. 

But Smithy to clear himfelf of thefe Sufpicions, and to 
fhew, that the Indians were not fo defperate, as was pre- 
tended by Neiuport^ and how willing he was to affift, as 
far as he could, undertook himfelf to carry their Meflage 
to Poiuhatan^ and to invite him to James-'Toiun to receive 
his Prefents. And taking with him only Captain Waldo^ 
and three more, he went acrofs by Land, about twelve 
Miles, to Werovuocomoco^ where he pafled the River in an 
Indian Canoe. Powhatan^ being thirty Miles off, was im- 
mediately fent for ; and in the mean time, Pocohotitas and 
her Women entertained him with a ftrange Mafk and 
barbarian Piece of Revelry, and feafted them with all the 
favage Dainties, they could devife. The next Day, Pow- 
hatan came, and S?nith delivered his Meflage, together with 
Namontack^ his Servant, whom he had fent to England. 
And he defired him to come to his Father Newport^ to re- 
ceive his Prefents, and to enter upon Meafures for their 
efFeftual Revenge againft the Manakins. To this that fub- 
tle Barbarian anfwered : That if their King had fent him any 
Prefents^ he alfo ivas a King^ and that was his Land : That 
he would fay eight Days., to receive them : That Newport 
ought to come to him., and not He to go to their Fort., which 
was too foolijh a Bait to he taken: That as to the Manakins, 
he could revenge his own IVrongs ; and for any fait IVater 
beyond the Mountains., he told him, that all the Relations., they 
had received from his People., ivere falfe. Whereupon he 
began to draw Plots upon the Ground, according to his 
Difcourfe, of all thofe Regions, Many other complimen- 
tal Difcourfes pafled between them ; and fo Smith returned 
with this Anfwer to James-Town. 

Hereupon the Prefents were fent round by Water, 
and the Captains went acrofs by Land, with a Guard of fifty 
Men. All being met at Werowocomoco., the next Day was 
appointed for his Coronation. Then the Prefents were 
brought ; his Bafon and Ewer, Bed and Furniture, were 
fet up ; and his Scarlet Cloak and Apparel, with much ado, 
put on him, being perfuaded by Natnontack., that they would 
not hurt him. But a great Coil and Trouble there was to 
make him kneel, to receive his Crown. He neither knew 
the Majefty of a Crown, nor the Meaning of bending the 

Knee, 



Book II. 'The History of VIRGINIA. 79 

Knee, which obliged them to ufe fo many Perfuafions, 1608. 

Examples, and Inftru6lions, as tired them all. At laft, by v — -' 

leanins; hard on his Shoulders, he {looped a little, and three, John Smith 

1. • J -.u x. r^ . V u- u J u Prefident. 

being ready with the Lrown, put it on his Head ; when, 
by the Warning of a Piftol, the Boats were prepared with 
fuch a Volley of Shot, that the King ftarted up in a hor- 
rible Fright, till he faw, all was well. Then recolle6ling 
himfelf, to return their Kindnefs, he gave his old Shoes and 
Mantle to Captain Neiuport \ and finding him determined to 
difcover the Manak'ins^ he did his utmoft to divert him from 
his Purpofe, and refufed to lend him either Men or Guides, 
except Naymntack. And fo after fome flight Compliments 
on both Sides, in Requital for his Prefents, he gave Newport 
a Heap of Ears of Corn, which might contain (even or eight 
Bufliels, and as much more was purchafed in the Town, 
with which they returned to the Fort at James-Town. 

Immediately upon their Return, Captain Newport^ 
with an hundred and twenty chofen Men, led by Captain 
Waldo., Lieutenant Percy., Captain Wynne., Mr. Weft.^ and 
Mr. Scrivener., fet forward for the Difcovery of the Mana- 
kins \ leaving the Prefident at the Fort, with eighty or ninety 
weak and fickly Men, to load the Ship. Arriving at the 
Falls, they marched by Land about forty Miles, and found 
a very fair, fertile, well-watered Country. Two Towns 
of the Manakins they difcovered, fituate on the South Side 
of the River. The People ufed them neither well nor ill ; 
yet for their Security, they took one of their petty Kings, 
and led him bound, to condu6l them the Way. In their 
Return, they fpent fome Time in fearching for Mines, hav- 
ing with them one William Callicut., a Refiner, for that 
Purpofe. From the Cruft of Earth, wTiich they dug, he 
perfuaded them, that he extracted fome fmall Qhjantity of 
Silver. With this poor Trial, they returned down the 
fame Path, they went, to the Falls ; where the Indians 
feigned, that many Ships were come into the Bay, to kill 
the Englijh at James-Town. But as for their Corn, they 
had hid it in the Woods, and could by no Means be induced 
to trade. And being thus deluded and difappointed, they 
returned to James-Town., half fick, and all complaining, 
being fadly harrafled with Toil, Famine, and Difcontent. 

No fooner were they landed, but the Prefident difperfed 
as many, as were able, fome to make Glafs, and others 
for Pitch, Tar, and Soap-Afhes. Leaving them at the Fort 
under the Councils Care and Overfight, he himfelf carried 
thirty about five Miles down the River, to learn to cut 
down Trees, make Clapboard, and lie in the Woods. A- 
\ mong thefe he chofe Gabriel Beadle and John Rujfel., two 
\ fine 



8o rZv History r/ VIRGINIA. Book II. 

1608. f^ne and proper Gentlemen of the laft Supply. Thefe 

''"^^v ^ were, at firft, ftrange Diverfions for Men of P.leafure. 

John Smith Yet they lodged, eat, and drank, worked or played, only 
^^^ ^^^' as the Prefident himfelf did ; and all things were carried fo 
pleafantly, that within a Week they became Mafters, and 
thirty or forty of fuch voluntary Gentlemen, would have 
done more in a Day than an hundred of the reft, who muft 
be driven to it by Compulfion. Being inured to Labour by 
thefe means, they foon made it their Delight, to hear the 
Trees thunder, as they fell ; and afterwards became very 
hardy, ufeful, and refolute Men, efpecially Mr. RuJfeL 
But the Axes often bliftering their tender Fingers, they 
would, at every third Stroke, drown the Eccho, with a 
loud Volley of Oaths. To remedy which Sin, the Prefi- 
dent ordered every Man's Oaths to be numbered, and at 
Night, for every Oath, to have a Can of Water poured 
down his Sleeve ; which fo wafhed and drenched the Of- 
fender, that in a fliort time, an Oath was not heard in a 
Week. 

In the mean while, Mr. Scrivener^ Captain Waldo^ and 
Captain IVynne^ at the Fort, each, in their feveral Way, 
carefully regarded their Charge. But when the Prefident 
returned, feeing the Time confumed, and no Provifions 
got, and that the Ship lay idle at a great Charge, 
and did nothing, he immediately embarked in the Dif- 
covery Barge, taking with him eighteen Men and another 
Boat, and leaving Orders with the Council, to fend 
Lieutenant Percy after him, with the next Barge, that ar- 
rived at the Fort. Going into Chickahomlny^ the Indians 
were furly, and knowing his Wants, with much Scorn and 
Infolence refufed to trade. But the Prefident, perceiving, 
it was Fotvhatan% Policy to ftarve the Englifh^ told them, 
that he came not fo much for Corn, as to revenge his own 
Captivity and the Death of his two Men ■, which he pre- 
tended to attribute to them. And fo, landing his Men, 
and making ready to charge them, they immediately fled. 
Soon after they fent Ambafi'adors, with Corn, Fifli, Fowl, 
and whatever elfe they had, to make their Peace. Their 
Corn being that Year but bad, they complained extremely 
of their own Wants, yet freighted their Boats with an 
hundred Bufhels, and in like manner Lieutenant Percy''s^ 
that not long after arrived. Returning to 'Jaines-Town^ the 
Colony was much pleafed and revived by this feafonable 
Supply. Yet fuch was the Malice and Envy of fome, that 
they had rather hazard a Starving, than that Smith's En- 
deavours ftiould prove fo much more efFe6lual, than theirs. 
And Newport and Ratclijff'e had projected, not only to de- 

pofe 



Book II. Tbe History of VIRGINIA. 81 

pofe him, but to keep him out of the P^ort ; under Pre- '608. 
tence, that, being Prefident, he had left his Place and the' v ' 
Fort, without their Confent. But their Horns were too ^"'"/"""^ 
fhort, and they themfelves narrowly efcaped a greater 
Mifchief. 

All this while, their old Tavern, the Ship, made as 
much of all them, that had either Money or Ware, as 
could be defired. By this time, they were become perfect 
on all Sides, the Sailers, the Soldiers, and the Indians ; and 
much more Care was taken, to maintain their private and 
pernicious Trade, than to provide things neceflary for the 
Colony. Nezvport and his Mariners had fo many private 
Factors at the Fort, that in fix or feven Weeks, of two or 
three hundred Axes, Hoes, Pick-axes, and other Inftru- 
ments for the Ufe of the Colony, fcarce twenty could be 
found -, and for Pike-heads, Powder, Shot, or any thing 
elfe they could ileal, they knew well, how to convey them 
fecretly, to trade with the Indians for Furs, Bafkets, young 
Beafts, and other fuch-like Commodities. So that, altho' 
Virginia afforded no Commodities for thofe, who were at 
the Expence of the Settlement, yet thefe Men found Means, 
by thefe indire6i: Methods, of driving on a very profitable 
Trade. And thus, by their falfe Excufes, Informations, 
and Advices in Englarid^ and by their unlawful Trade here, 
the Adventurers were coufened, and the A6lion almoft 
overthrown. Upon this Account therefore, as well as un- 
der Pretence, that his Orders were, not to return, without 
a Lump of Gold, a Certainty of the South-Sea^ or one of 
Sir Walter Ralegh\ loft Company, the Prefident had once 
determined to fend away the Ship, and to oblige Neivport 
to ftay one Year in the Country, to learn to fpeak of his 
own Experience. But upon his Submiflion and Acknow- 
ledgment, this Punifhment was remitted, and he was fuf- 
fered to return to England in the Ship ; where, it is not to 
be doubted, but that he reprefented Matters in the worft 
Light. 

It is certain, that the Treafurer and Council in England 
were greatly disappointed in their Hopes. For they expe6l- 
ed,upon their Difcoveries in J?nerica^ to have fpeedy Re- 
turns, in Gold and Silver, and fuch other rich Commodi- 
ties, as the Spaniards found at their firft Arrival. But Vir- 
ginia is not a Country of Mines. It is formed by Nature 
for producing all the Neceffaries, or even Elegancies of 
Life, to as high a Degree, as perhaps any other Country 
whatfoever. It lies under the fame Clime, as fome Parts 
of Spain^ Italy^ and Sicily^ and is a Country of Plenty and 
Abundance ; and therefore, in the End, is more valuable, 
13 G and 



82 The History nf VIRGINIA. Book II. 

1608. and even richer, than thofe Regions, which abound in Gold 

' Y ' and Silver. The Truth of this is confirmed by Experience ; 

John Smith ^^j j^ jg ^j^ undeniable Maxim in Politicks, that Commo- 
dities of the firft Neceflity, or fuch as are of abfolute Ufe 
for our Subfiftance and the Support of Life, have a much 
greater real and intrinfic Value, than thofe, which only 
receive an imaginary Worth, by Compa61: or Agreement, 
and are wholly defigned, as a Gage, or Meafure, of the 
real and intrinfic Value of other Commodities. The true 
Riches therefore, and Power of every Country, depend 
upon the plentiful Produ6lion of Corn, Stocks, Cloathing, 
and other fuch Commodities of the firft Neceflity ; the 
Want of which can, by no means, be fupplied by ever fo 
great an Abundance of Gold and Silver. But the Want of 
them, on the contrary, may be, and often have been, fup- 
plied, by ftamped Leather, Tallies, Shells, Paper, or other 
fuch arbitrary Reprefentations. But altho' thefe Necefla- 
ries of Life are of this greater real Value, yet they are not 
to be had at once. Previous Preparations by Culture, Manu- 
facturing, Stocks, and other Improvements, are necefl'ary ; 
which often require a long Time, to bring them to any 
tolerable Degree of Perfe6tion. And the Englijh^ when 
they firft came to Virginia^ happened upon a Land, juft as 
God had made it, little planted, manured or improved. 
The Lihabitants were an idle, improvident, vagabond Peo- 
ple ; knowing nothing of Gold and Silver, and other valua- 
ble Commodities ; and carelefs of every thing, but juft 
from Hand to Mouth. 

But however free they might be from Blame, the 
Council in England were certainly very much fretted with 
the Difappointment, and by this Ship, wrote the Prefident 
a very angry Letter. They complained of the vain Hopes, 
they had been fed with, and very fmall Proofs ; and of 
their FacSlions and filly Projects about dividing the Country, 
concerning which the late Prefident and his Fa6tion had 
written fome idle Story to the Earl of Salijhury^ at that 
time chief Minifter of State. And they threatened, unlefs 
the Charge of this Voyage, amounting to about two thou- 
fand Pounds, was defrayed by the Ship's Return, they 
fhould be deferted, and left to remain here, as baniftied 
Men. To this Letter Captain Smith gave a very plain and 
foldierly Anfwer by the Ship, which was at length dif- 
patched, with the Trials of Pitch, Tar, Glafs, Frankin- 
cenfe, and Soap-Afhes, and with what Wainfcot and Clap- 
board could be provided. In it he endeavoured to lay open 
to them the Caufes, that kept them from laying fuch a 
Foundation, as might have given better Satisfadion ; and 

advifes 



Book 11. "The History of VIRGINIA. 83 

advifes them againft expelling any profitable Returns at 1608. 

prefent. He declares his own Integrity and Sincerity to-' -r—^ 

wards them, and warns them againft fome Perfons, who 7'>>-'''J>'""f-> 
caufed them to believe much more, than was true. He 
tells them, that their Dire61:ions by Newport had been fol- 
lowed, altho' he himfelf was direcSlly againft them, as they 
were very prejudicial and to the imminent Hazard of the 
whole Colony, which was then, when it was too late, ge- 
nerally confefled. He complains of Newport^ expofes the 
Vanity and ill Confequences of his Projects, his Lingering in 
the Country, the good Cheer and Luxury of him and the Sailers, 
and their Embezzlement of the publick Stores. For of the 
two thoufand Pounds, which this Ship coft them, he af- 
fures them, that the Colony had not Received the Value of 
an hundred Pounds. He blames Ratcllffe^ Archer^ and 
others, as the Authors of their Factions and Difturbances ; 
and tells them, that he had fent RatcUffe^ a counterfeit Im- 
poftor, whofe right Name was Sicklemore^ home, left the 
Company fliould cut his Throat. And he judicioufly in- 
fifts upon their fending ufeful Labourers and proper Tradef- 
men for their prefent Condition ; and upon providing, firft 
of all, Food, Lodging, and fuch other Neceflaries, as 
were abfolutely requifite for their Being and Subfiftance, 
before they went on any other Projects of Gain or Curio- 
fity, for which they were no ways fitted, in their prefent ff^ 
weak and infant Condition. At the fame time, he fent 
them two Barrels of fuch Stones, as he thought contained 
fome Kind of Ore, with Notes, fignifying in what Places 
he found them. And to fhew, he could make as large a 
Difcovery, as Newport'?, of the Manakins^ for lefs Charge, 
than he fpent them at every Meal, he fent them a Map of 
the Bay and Rivers, with a Relation annexed, of the Coun- 
tries, and of the Nations, that dwelt upon them. And 
this indeed was done with fuch wonderful exa61:nefs, as 
fhewed him to have travelled far, and feen much ; and it 
has ever fince been the Original, from which all later Maps 
and Defcriptions of Virginia have been moftly copied. 

And now the Ship being gone, the grand Remora and 
Obftacle to all necefl'ary Bufinefs, the Colony began to look 
about them. The Profpe6l was difmal, and they were all 
in the utmoft Confternation, expe6ling nothing elfe but the 
moft extreme Famine. However to make up, in fome 
meafure, their loft Time, Mr. Scrivener had been fent, be- 
fore Newport's, Departure, with the Bark and Barges to 
IVerowocomoco. There he found the Indians more ready to 
fight, than to trade. But his Vigilancy prevented their 
Plots ; and by the Means of Namontack^ he got three or 
G 2 ix)ur 



84 T^ke History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

1608. four Hogfheads of Corn, and as much Pocones, a red Root, 

^ — > ■ at that time efteemed an excellent Dye. Meeting Newport 

John Smith at Point CoTufort^ he returned to the Fort ; and the Prefi- 
Prefident. ^^^^^ taking him and Captain Wynne^ fet off immediately 
for Nandfarnond. That Nation at firft denied him, not 
only the four hundred Bafkets of Corn, they had promifed, 
but any Trade at all. They excufed themfelves on Ac- 
count of their Corn's being almoft fpent, and becaufe they 
were commanded by Powhatan^ to keep what was left, 
and not to let the Englifi even enter their River. The 
Prefident finding, nothing was to be done in the Way of 
Peace, refolved to ufe Force. At the firft Onfet, the In- 
dians all fled, without fliooting an Arrow. Then marching 
up to their Houfes, they fet Fire to the firft, they came to. 
When the Indians perceived that, they offered, if they 
would make no more Spoil, to give them half the Corn, 
they had. Accordingly, before Night, they loaded their 
three Boats ; and for fparing them this Year, they promifed 
to plant Corn purpofely for them the next. With this 
they returned to "James-Town^ about the Time, that fohn 
Laydon was married to Jnne Burras ; which was the firft 
Chriftian Marriage, that ever was in Virginia. But the 
Prefident ftaid not long at the Fort. For he fitted him- 
felf and Captain Waldo out immediately with two Barges, 
|ft| and made a Voyage up the River. From IVyanoake^ and 
\ all Parts there-abouts, he found the Indians fled ; and there- 

i fore hafting up higher, he then firft difcovered the River 

\ and People of Appamatox. The little Corn, they had, 

\^ was equally divided ; and the Prefident gave them Copper 
for it, and fuch other Toys, as fully fatisfied them. At 
the fame time, Mr. Scrivener and Lieutenant Percy went 
abroad in Queft of Provifions, but could find nothing. 

About this time, the Prefident was invited by Powha- 
tan to come to him ; and he promifed to load his Ship with 
Corn, provided he would fend fome Workmen to build him 
a Houfe, and would give him a Grind-ftone, fifty Swords, 
fome Mufkets, a Cock and a Hen, with much Copper and 
Beads. The Prefident was not ignorant of his Devices and 
Subtlety ; yet was unwilling to negle6l any Opportunity of 
getting Provifions, and refolved, fooner than fail, to take 
him and all his Store by Surprife. To this End, he took 
Order with Captain Wa'ldo^ whom he knew to be fure in 
Time of Danger, to fecond him, if Need required. But 
Captain Wynne and Mr. Scrivener did their utmoft to hin- 
der their Projed. For Scrivener's ftri6l Friendfliip with 
Captain Smith was now much cooled ; and he was thought 
to join with fome others, in a Plot to ruin him in England. 

But 




Book II. rhe History of VIRGINIA. 

But the Prefident, whom no Eloquence could perfuade to 
ftarve, fent ofF two Englijhmen before by Land, and foui 
Germans^ to build the Houfe for Powhatan againft his ^x-J"^-'"^"'"^ 
rival. And then, having left Mr. Scrivener his Subftitute, 
he fet forward with the Bark and two Barges, manned only 
with fuch, as offered themfelves voluntarily to go upon the 
Service. In the Difcovery-Barge went himfelf, Mr. Ralegh 
ChroJ})aiv^ John Riijfel^ and feveral other Gentlemen and 
Soldiers ; and Mr. William Phittiplace^ as Captain, Lieute- 
nant Percy^ Mr. Francis Wejl^ Mr. Robert Ford, Clerk of 
the Council, with many others, went on board the Bark. 

The 29th of Dece?nher they left "James-Town, being 
victualled only for three or four Days. That Night they 
lodged at IVarrafqueake, where the Prefident got fufficient 
Provifion. The King of that Town did his utmoft to 
divert him from feeing Poxvhatan \ but finding, he could 
not prevail, he told him, that Powhatan would ufe them 
kindly, although he had fent for them only to cut their 
Throats. He therefore advifed him, not to truft him, 
and to be fure to give him no Opportunity of feizing his 
Arms. The Prefident thanked him for his good Counfel ; 
and having obtained Guides from him to the Chowanocks, a 
Nation dwelling in the Fork of Chowan, between Notta- 
way and Meherrin Rivers, he fent Michael Sicklemore, a 
very valiant, honeft, and painful Soldier, with Prefents to 
that King ; but chiefly to look for Silkgrafs, and to en- 
quire after Sir Walter Ralegh's, loft Colony. The next 
Night they lodged at Kicquotan, and were detained there 
fix or feven Days by the extreme Wind, Rain, Froft, and 
Snow. This obliged them to keep their Chri/hnas among 1609. 
the Savages ; and they were never more merry in their 
Lives, lodged by better Fires, or fed with greater Plentv of 
good Bread, Oyfters, Fifti, Flefli, and Wildfowl. De- 
parting thence, they arrived on the 12th of January, thro' 
various Accidents, at Werowocomoco ; where they found the 
River frozen near half a Mile from the Shore. But the 
Prefident, running his Barge up, as far as he could by 
breaking the Ice, was left by the Ebb upon the oozy Shoals. 
In this dangerous Situation, he plunged firft into the River 
himielf ; and by his Example, taught them to march, near 
Middle deep, a Flight-fhot, through the frozen Ooze. 
When the Barge fliould float, he appointed two or three to re- 
turn her aboard the Bark ; where they, foon after, came into 
fuch Diftrefs for Want of Water, that the River being fait, 
they were obliged to make frefh Water, by melting the Ice. 

The Prefident and his Company quartered in the next 

Cabbins, they found, and fent to Poivhatan for Provifions. 

G -i He 




The History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

He fent them Plenty of Bread, Turkey, and Venifon ; and 
the next Day, feafted them after his ufual Manner, But 
John Smith }^g pretended, he had not fent for them ; neither had he 
any Corn, and his People much lefs ; and foon began to 
be importunate with them to be gone. But the Prefident 
confronting him with the Perfons, who brought the Mef- 
fage, he endeavoured to put the Matter off with a Laugh, 
and afked for his Commodities. But he liked nothing, ex- 
cept Guns and Swords, and valued a Bafket of Corn higher 
than a Bafket of Copper ; faying, he could rate his Corn, 
but not the Copper. Captain Smithy feeing his Intent, told 
him ; that he had many Ways, to have got Proviiions, 
but relying on his Promifes, he had neglected all to fatisfy 
his Defire, and had fent his Men to make his Buildings, 
whilll his own were undone : That he knew, he had en- 
groffed his People's Corn, and forbid them to trade ; think- 
ing, by confuming Time, to confume them : That as for 
Swords and Guns, he had none to fpare ; and that he muft 
know, thofe, he had, could keep him from ftarving : Yet 
he would neither rob nor wrong him, nor diffolve that 
Friendfliip, they had mutually promifed, unlefs conftrained 
to it by bad Ufage. The King liftened attentively to this 
Difcourfe ; and promifed, that both he and his People 
fhould fpare him, what they could, and that they ftiould 
receive it within two Days. But^ fays he, / have fame 
Doubt about the Reafon of your coming hither. I am in- 
formed from many Hands., that you come., not to trade., 
but to invade my People., and to pojjefs my Country. This 
makes me lefs ready to relieve you., and frightens my Peo- 
ple from bringing in their Corn. And therefore to eafe 
them of that Fear., leave your Arms aboard., ftnce they are 
^ needlefs here., where we are all Friends., and for ever 
Powhatans. 
/^ In thefe, and many fuch infidious Difcourfes, that Day 
was fpent. But Captain Smith afterwards difcovered, that 
the Germans., whom he had fent to build Powhatan''^ Houfe, 
finding his Plenty and the Wants of the Englijh^ and 
thinking it fcarce poffible, that they could efcape both him 
and Famine, had, to gain his Favour, revealed to him all, 
they knew, of the State and Defigns of the Englijh., and 
advifed him, how to counteract and prevent them. And 
this Treachery was the more odious and unfufpecSted, be- 
caufe the Prefident had placed one of them, as a Spy upon 
Potuhatan., being a Man of Judgment and Refolution, and 
therefore thought moft proper for that Employ. And as 
he was fure of his Wages for his Labour, and had ever 
been well ufed, both he and his Countrymen, there was at 

that 



Book II. -The History of VIRGINIA. 87 

that time little Doubt concerning his Honefty. But whilft 1609. 

they expe6led the coming in of the Country, they wrangled ^ -< ' 

Powhatan out of eighty Bufhels of Corn for a Copper Ket- ^"^^ -^""'^ 
tie ; which the Prefident feeing him much affecSi, he told '^^ ' ^^^' 
him, it was of much greater Value, yet in Regard of his 
Scarcity, he would accept that Quantity at prefent, pro- 
vided he fhould have as much more the next Year, or the 
Manakin Country. Both being fatisfied with the Condition, 
Powhatan begun to expoftulate the Difference of Peace and 
War, with Captain Stnith^ after this Manner. 

H E told him, with a Vanity ufual to Perfons, who affecSl 
to be thought very old, that he had feen the Death of all 
his People thrice ; and that not one of thofe three Genera- 
tions was then living, except himfelf : That he knew the 
Difference of Peace and War better, than any in his 
Country : That he was now grown old, and muft die foon ; 
and that the Succeflion muft defcend, in Order, to his 
Brothers, Opitchapan^ Opechancanough^ and Catataugh^ and 
then to his two Sifters, and their two Daughters. He wifhed 
their Experience was equal to his ; and that Smith''?, Love 
to them might be no lefs, than his to Smith. He afked 
him; Why he would take that by Force, which he might 
quickly have by Love ? Why he would deftroy them, that 
provided him Food ? and. What he could get by War ? 
For they could hide their Provifions, and fly into the Woods ; 
and then he muft confequently famifti by wronging his 
Friends. He defired to know the Reafon of his Jealoufy, 
fmce he faw them unarmed, and willing to fupply his Wants, 
if he would come in a friendly Manner, and not with 
Swords and Guns, as to invade an Enemy. And he told 
him, that he was not fo fimple, as not to know, it was 
better to eat good Meat, lie well, and fleep quietly with his 
Women and Children ; to laugh and be merry with the 
Eng/ijh^ and being their Friend, to have Copper, Hatchets, 
and whatever elfe he wanted ; than to fly from all, to lie 
cold in the Woods, feed upon Acorns, Roots, and fuch 
Trafti, and to be fo hunted, that he could neither reft, eat, 
or fleep. In that Circumftance, his tired Men muft watch, 
and if a Twig did but break, all would be crying out. 
Here comes Captain Smith \ and fo, in this miferable Man- 
ner, to end his miferable Life ; which might likewife foon 
be Captain Smiths Fate too, through his Rafhnefs and Un- 
advifednefs. He therefore earneftly exhorted him to peace- 
able Counfels ; and above all infifted, that the Guns and 
Swords, the grand Caufe of their Jealoufy and Uneafinefs, 
fhould be removed and fent away. 

G4 To 




The History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 
To this crafty Difcourfe the Prefident replied : That it 
was the Fafhion of the Englijh, always to wear their Arms, 
John Smith Y^\r^Q their Cloaths ; and that they would, by no Means, 
Prefident. ^^^^ ^-^^^ them : That his People came frequently to Jatnes- 
Toiun^ and were entertained with their Bows and Arrows, 
without any Exceptions : That if the Englijh had intended 
him any Hurt, they could long fince have effefted it, as 
was evident to him, and all the World, efpecially confi- 
dering the Superiority of their Arms : That altho' Revenge 
was always in their Power, yet, out of an Inclination to 
Mercy and Friendfliip, they parted over the daily Viola- 
tions of the Peace by his Subje^ls : And as to hiding his 
Provifions, and flying into the Woods, he told him, they 
fhould not fo unadvifedly ftarve, as he imagined. For they 
had a Rule to find things hidden, beyond his Knowledge. 
After much more Difcourfe, they at laft began to trade. 
But the King, feeing that his Will would not be admitted 
as a Law, and that S?mth was obftinate, not to difmifs his 
Guard, or difarm his Men, breathed out his Mind once 
more in this Manner, with a Sigh. 

Captain Smith, / never ufe any Werowance fo kindly as 
yoiirfelf; yet from you I receive the leaf Kindnefs of any. 
Captain Newport gave me Swords^ Copper^ Cloaths^ or 
whatever elfe I defred^ ever accepting what I offered him ; 
and ivould fend away his Guns^ when requefed. No one re- 
fufes to lie at my Feet^ or do^ what I demand^ hut you only. 
Of you I can have nothing., hut what you value not., and yet 
you ivill have., whatfoever you pleafe. Captain Newport you 
call Father., and fo you call me ; hut I fee., in fpite of us hoth., 
you tvill do., what you will., and we mufl hoth Jiudy to humour 
and content you. But if you intend fo friendly^ as you fay., 
fend away your Jr?ns. For you fee., my undefigning Simplicity 
and FriendJ})ip caufe me., thus nakedly., to forget ?nyfelf. 

The Prefident, perceiving this Barbarian only trifled the 
Time to cut his Throat, refolved to treat him in his own 
Way. He therefore procured the Indians to break the Ice, 
that his Boat might come, to fetch him and his Corn ; and 
at the fame Time, gave Order for more Men to come a- 
fhore, to furprife the King. In the mean while, to pro- 
trail the Time, he endeavoured to entertain him with much 
fpecious and fallacious Difcourfe ; promifing, the next Day 
to quit his Arms, and to fhew, by trufting to his Word, 
that he loved and confided in him, as a Father. But whilft 
the Ice was breaking, Powhatan conveyed himfelf away, 
with his Women, Children, and Luggage. Yet to avoid 
Sufpicion, he left two or three of his Women talking with 
the Prefident, whilft he fecretly ran off", and his Men as 

fecretly 



Book II. rhc History of VIRGINIA. 89 

fecretly befet the Houfe. Which being prefently difcover- 16. 9. 
ed, the Prefident iflued forth, with his Piitol, Sword, and 

Prefident. 



Target. At his firft Shot, thofe, next him, tumbled one ■'/*''•"' *""'•' 



over another ; and the reft fled nimbly off, fome one Way, 
Ibme another. And thus, without any Hurt, only accom- 
panied with Mr, yohn Riijfel^ he reached the main Body 
of his Men. But when the Indians perceived him fo well 
efcaped, they ufed their utmoft Art, to excufe and diflem- 
ble the Matter. Powhatan fent him a great Bracelet and 
Chain of Pearl by an ancient Orator, who told him, that 
their Emperor was fled for Fear of his Guns : That know- 
ing, when the Ice was open, there would come more Men 
alhore, he had fent thofe Numbers, whom he had aflaulted, 
only to guard his Corn from being ftole, which might hap- 
pen without the Prefident's Knowledge : That altho' fome 
were hurt by his Miftake, yet Poivhatan was itill his Friend, 
and for ever would continue fo. And he defircd, fince the 
Ice was open, that he would fend away his Corn ; and if 
he expected his Company, that he would alfo fend away 
his Guns, which fo frighted his People, that they were 
afraid to bring in their Corn, as he had promifed they 
Ihould. And then Balkets being provided for the Englijh^ 
to carry their Corn to the Boats, thofe Indians kindly offer- 
ed their Service, to guard their Arms, left they ftiould be 
ftolen. There was a great Number of goodly, well-pro- 
portioned Fellows, painted and grimmed, like Devils. But 
the very Sight of the EngUfh cocking their Matches, and 
being ready to charge, made them quit their Bows and Ar- 
rows, at Command, to the Guard, and carry down the 
Corn upon their Backs. And there was no Occafion to 
importune them, to make Difpatch. 

But Powhatan and the Germans were ftill eager to have 
the Head of Captain Sfnith. For if they could but kill him, 
they thought, all would be their own. And therefore, the 
Englijh being ftaid by the Ebb till late within Night, the 
King fpent his Time in making ready his Forces, to fur- 
prife the Houfe and him at Supper. But Pocahontas^ in a 
very dark and difmal Night, came alone through the Woods, 
and told the Prefident, that great Cheer would be fent them 
foon ; but that Powhatan^ with all the Power, he could 
make, would come after to kill them all, if thofe, who 
brought the Vi6luals, could not effe6l it with their own 
Arms, while they were at Supper. And therefore, as they 
tendered their Lives, ftie advifed them to be gone. The 
Prefident would have given her fuch Things, as he knew, 
fhe delighted in. But, with Tears running down her 
Cheeks, (he refufed them ; faying, flie durft not be feen to 
^"^ have 



90 The History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

1609. have any of them. For fhould her Father know it, it 

^- — Y ^ would be certain and immediate Death to her. And fo fhe 

John Umith ran away, by herfelf, as fhe came. Within lefs than an 
Prefident. fjQy^ after. Came eight or ten lufty Fellows, with large 
Platters of Venifon and other Victuals ; and they were very 
importunate with the EngUfl)^ to put out their Matches ; 
pretending, their Smoke made them fick. But the Prefi- 
dent made them tafte of every Difh ; and then fent fome of 
them back to Powhatan^ to bid him make Hafte ; for he 
was ready for his coming. Soon after came more Meflen- 
gers, to fee what News ; and not long after them, others. 
And thus was the Time fpent, with equal Vigilancy on both 
Sides, but without any farther Hurt. At high Water, the 
Englijh departed ; but to oblige Powhatan^ they left him, 
at his Requeft, Edward Brynton^ to kill him Fowl, and 
the Germans^ who were yet unfufpe6led, to finifh his Houfe. 
They had no fooner fet Sail, but Powhatan returned, 
and fent two of the Germans to yaines-Town. They pre- 
tended to Captain JFynne^ that all things were well, and 
that the Prefident had Occafion for their Arms; and there- 
fore they defired new ones, with fome fpare Tools, and 
fhift of Apparel ; all which were readily granted them. 
During their loitering there, by the Promife of Powhatan^ 
Favour, and of an Exemption from the Miferies, which 
would certainly happen to the Colony, they drew over to 
their Confederacy fix or feven more, fuch expert Thieves, 
as prefently furnifhed them with fifty Swords, eight Mirf- 
kets, eight Pikes, and Powder and Shot ; which were 
fpeedily conveyed away, by Indians at Hand for that Pur- 
pofe. The other German Powhatan kept, as a Pledge ; 
whofe Diligence provided him with three hundred Toma- 
hauks, or Indian Hatchets. In the mean time, Edward 
Brynton and Thomas Savage^ feeing the Germans fo diligent 
to accommodate the Indians with Arms, attempted to make 
their Efcape to fames-Town. But they were apprehended 
and brought back, and expelled, every Minute, to be put 
to Death. 

The Prefident and the reft, being arrived at Pamunkey.^ 
were entertained fome Days by the King, with great Feaft- 
ing and Mirth. The Day, appointed to begin their Trade, 
he went afhore with Lieutenant Percy ^ Mr. Wejl^ Mr. 
Russel^ Mr. Behethland^ Mr. Crojhaw^ Mr. Powel^ Mr. 
Ford^ and others to the Number of fifteen ; and going up 
to Opechancanough\ Houfe, a Quarter of a Mile from the 
River, they found nothing but a lame Fellow and a Boy, 
and all the Houfes round abandoned, and ftripped of every 
thing. They ftaid not long, before the King came, and 

after 



Book II. rbe History of VIRGINIA. 91 

after him feveral of his People, loaded with Bows and Ar- ^^-9- 
rows. But their Commodities were fo trifling, and thofe '— - ,— ^ 
held at fuch a Rate, that the Prefident began with ^^^ If'^^,^'^'''' 
King, and faid : That the Profeflions of his Tongue were 
proved by his AcSlions to be mere Deceit : That laft Year 
he kindly freighted his Veffel ; but had how treacheroufly 
invited him, with a View to famifli and deftroy him : That 
as the King was not ignorant of his Wants, fo neither was 
he of the King's Plenty ; of which, by fome Means, he 
muft have Part. And he told him, it was highly proper 
and decent for Kings, above all others, to keep their Pro- 
mife. And therefore, (hewing his Commodities, he offered 
him his Choice, and the reft, he faid, he would proportion 
in fit Bargains for his People. Opechancanough feemed kind- 
ly to accept his Offer ; and the better to colour his Defigns, 
fold them, what they had, at their own Price ; promifing, 
the next Day, more Company, better provided. 

The next Day, the Prefident, with the fame fifteen, 
marched up to the King's Houfe, where they found four 
or five Men, newly arrived, with each a great Bafket. 
Soon after came the King ; and putting on a ftrained Chear- 
fulnefs, he entertained them in Difcourfe, about the great 
Pains he had been taking, to keep his Promife ; till Mr. 
RuJJel brought in News, that at leaft feven hundred In- 
dians^ well armed, had invironed the Houfe, and befet the 
Fields. The Prefident, feeing fome of the Company great- 
ly difmaid at the Thought of fuch a Multitude, told them : 
That he was lefs concerned at the Danger and Number of 
the Enemy, than at the malicious Reprefentations, which 
the Council, and their open mouthed Minions, would make 
to England^ of his breaking the Peace : That he, alone, 
was once aflaulted by three hundred ; and had it not been 
for an Accident, would have made his Way good among 
them all : That they were now fixteen, and the Enemy 
but feven hundred at the moft. And therefore he defired 
them, to fight like Men, and not die like Sheep. Eor if 
they dared to follow his Example, and to do, as he did, 
he doubted not, by God's Afiiftance, to extricate them out 
of the prefent Difficulty and Danger. The Time not per- 
mitting any Argument, they all chearfully vowed, to exe- 
cute, whatever he attempted, or die. But that they might 
not fight for nothing, or be even ruined and fi:arved by 
their Vi6fory, the Prefident told Opechancamugh : That he 
faw his Plot to murder him, but he feared it not : That 
their Men had done no Harm, but by their Direftions : 
That therefore, if each of his Men would bring a Bafket 
of Corn, he would ftake againft it the Value in Copper, 

and 



92 the History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

1609. and they two would go over into the Ifland, in the River, 
"— ,— againft that Place, and decide the Matter by fingle Combat : 
John Stnith -phat he fhould have his Choice, and all Advantage of Wea- 
Prefident. ^^^^ . ^^^^ ^j^^^ ^j^^ Conqueror fhould have all, and be 
Lord and Mafter over all their Men. 

But duelling in fair and open Field is not the Manner 
of the Indians. Their chief Valour confifts in way-laying 
and murdering the unfufpe61:ing and unprovided, or perhaps 
the weak and helplefs. Neither had Opechancanough fuch 
Regard for the Lives of his Subjects, as to fave them from 
Danger, at the Hazard of his own. He therefore kindly 
endeavoured to appeafe the Prefident's Anger and Sufpicion, 
by a Prefent at the Door, which he intreated him to ac- 
cept. This was only to draw him out, where the Bait 
was guarded with two hundred Men, befides thirty, which 
lay behind a great Tree, fallen acrofs, with each his Ar- 
row notched, ready to fhoot. But the Prefident, having 
difcovered the Treachery, feifed the King, in the Midft of 
his Men, by his long Lock of Hair, and prefented his Pif- 
tol, ready cocked, to his Breaft. Thus he led him, trem- 
bling and half dead with Fear, among his People ; who 
were eafily induced to throw down their Arms, and to de- 
liver the King's Vambrace, Bow, and Arrows ; little 
dreaming, that any one durft to ufe their King in that Man- 
ner. And now Opechancanough^ to refcue himfelf, befliow- 
ed his Prefents in ferious Sadnefs ; and his Subje6ls, being 
upbraided and threatened by the Prefident in a fmart and 
angry Speech, mixed with fome Expreflions of Love and 
Confidence, caft away their Bows and Arrows, and Men, 
Women, and Children, brought in their Commodities. 
For two or three Hours, they fo thronged and wearied him, 
that he retired into the Houfe to reft, leaving others to 
trade, and receive their Prefents. Whilft he was afleep, 
fifty of their choice Men, with each an Englijh Sword or 
Club in his Hand, and feconded by two or three hundred 
more, preffed into the Houfe to murder him. But the Pre- 
fident, being waked from his Sleep, by the Noife of the 
People and fliaking of the Houfe, betook himfelf to his 
Arms, together with Mr. Croflmw and fome others ; which 
foon made them throng back, fafter than they came. But 
Opechancanough and fome of his Ancients, who were kept 
Prifoners with him, endeavoured, in a long Oration, to 
excufe this Intrufion. The reft of the Day was fpent with 
much Kindnefs, the Indians renewing their Prefents, and 
feafting the Englijh with their beft Provifions. 

While thefe things were tranfaiting, there happened 
an unlucky Accident at the Fort. Mr. Scrivener had re- 
ceived 



Book II. The History of VIRGINIA. 93 

ceived Letters from England^ which gave him towering 1609. 
Thoughts, and made him decline entirely in his AfFe6lion and ' y -^ 
Friendfhip to Captain Smithy who ftill regarded and loved John Smith 
him, as his Brother. This made him more headftrong and 
conceited, than was naturally confiftent with his Prudence 
and Moderation. And having taken it into his Head to vifit 
Hog-IJJamd^ he could not be turned from it, by the Advice 
and repeated Entreaties of Captain Waldo and feveral others. 
Therefore, taking with him Captain IValdo^ who was not 
to be abfent from the Fort, but to be ready to fecond the 
Prefident, if called for, and Mr. Anthony Gofnold^ a very 
worthy, honeft, and induftrious Gentleman, and Brother 
to Captain Bartholomew Gofnold^ with eight others, he 
went into the Skiff. She was fo overloaded, that (he fcarce 
could have lived in calm Weather ; but, in that cold and 
boifterous Day, (he funk, none knowing how or where, 
and all aboard were drowned. To advertife the Prefident 
of this heavy News, none could be got, till Mr. Richard 
Wyffin undertook it alone. He was encountered with many 
Dangers and Difficulties, in all Places, as he paffed. And 
at Werowocoynoco^ not finding the Prefident, and perceiving 
fuch Preparations for War, he was certainly aflured, that 
fome Mifchief was intended. But Pocahontas hid him for 
a Time, and fent thofe, who purfued him, the quite con- 
trary Way. At length, by her Means and extraordinary 
Bribes and Trouble, in three Days Travel, he found the 
Prefident at Pamunkey^ in the Midft of thofe Broils and 
Difficulties, The Prefident, having fworn him to conceal 
this unhappy News from the Company, and diflembling 
his Sorrow with the beft Countenance, he could, went 
fafely aboard at Night, and left Opechancanough at Liberty, 
according to his Promife, and likewife with a Defign, the 
betterto entrap Powhatan in his Return, Soon after, he went 
down the River, having fearched the Countries of Toiigh- 
tanund (now Pa?nunkey River) and Mattapony ; where the 
poor Creatures imparted the little Corn, they had, with 
fuch Complaints, and Tears from the Eyes of Women and 
Children, as fully fatisfied, and moved them with Com- 
paffion. 

Powhatan had threatened Death to his Men, if they did 
not, by fome Means or other, kill Captain S?nith. But 
they hated fighting with him, almost as bad as hanging. 
And the Prelident, on his Side, was as eager, to furprife 
and take that fubtle and perfidious Barbarian. Therefore, 
in his Way down the River, there were many Feints and 
Strategems, on both Parts, but without any remarkabl Ef- 
ie€t. Only the Prefident, with Mr. IVeJi and fome others, 

would 



94 "^f^e History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

1609. would have been poifoned, had their Art been equal to 

• -r ^ their Will. It only made them Sick, and fo worked itfelf 

John Smith off; ^j^j thus, through many Dangers and Difficulties, 
rei ent. ^^^^ returned to James-Toiun •■> where they delivered, near 
200 lbs. of Deer's Suet, and 479 Bufhels of Corn, to the 
Cape-Merchant. 

At 'James-Town they found nothing done, but their Pro- 
vifions fpent, and a great Part of their Tools and Arms 
conveyed to the Indians. But altho' what was left by the 
Ship was fo rotten with the Rain, and fo mangled by the 
Rats and Worms, that the Hogs would fcarcely eat it, yet 
upon cafling up their Store, they found a fufficient Provi- 
fion for the Year. Wherefore, the Fear of ftarving being 
laid afide, the Company was ranged into proper Divifions, 
and fix Hours each Day fpent in Work, the reft in Paf- 
time and merry Exercifes. And the Prefident, having cal- 
led them together, told them : That their late Experience 
and Mifery were fufficient to perfuade every one to a pre- 
fent Amendment : That they muft not think, that either 
his Pains, or the Adventurers Purfes, would for ever main- 
tain them in Sloth and Idlenefs : That he knew, many de- 
ferved more Honour, and a better Reward, than was yet 
to be had ; but that far the greateft Part of them muft be 
more induftrious, or ftarve : That it was not reafonable, 
that the Labours of thirty or forty honeft and induftrious 
Men fliould be confumed, to maintain an hundred and fifty 
Loiterers : and, That therefore every one, that would not 
work, fliould not eat : That they had often been fcreened 
and protected, in their Difobedience to his juft and neceftary 
Commands, by the Authority of the Council : But that 
now, all being either dead or gone, except Captain Wynne 
and himfelf, that whole Power refted, in Effe6l, folely in 
him. And therefore, he advifed them, not to feed them- 
felves up with the vain Prefumption, that his Authority was 
but a Shadow, and that his Life muft anfwer for theirs. 
For the Letters Patent, and other Powers, would prove 
the contrary, and fhould, every Week, be read to them ; 
and every one, that offended, might afluredly expe6l his 
due Punifliment. He alfo made a Table, as a publick Me- 
morial of each Man's Deferts, to encourage the Good, and 
to fpur on the reft by Shame. By this, many became very 
induftrious ; but more were driven to their Bufmess, by 
Punifliment, and the Prefident's extraordinary Vigor and 
Diligence. 

As they came down Pamunkey (fince called York River) 
ofi^ of JVeroivocomoco., the Prefident had fent Mr. Chrofliaw 
and Mr. Ford to James-Town^ by Land. In their Way, 

they 



Book II. rhe History of VIRGINIA. 

they met four or five of the German s Confederates, going 
to Powhatan ; who to clear themfelves from thofe Gentle- 
mens Sufpicion, that they were running to the Indians^ ^q_ John Smith 
turned with them to the Fort, and there continued. But 
the Germans^ to know the Reafon of 'their Stay, fent one 
of their Company, a ftout young Fellow, difguifed like an 
Indian^ to the Glafs-houfe. This ftood in the Woods, 
about a Mile from Jatnes-Town^ and was the common 
Place of Rendezvous for all their fecret Villany. The Pre- 
fident, hearing of this, immediately fent to apprehend this 
German. But he being gone, he difpatched twenty good 
Shot after, to intercept him in his Return to Potuhatan. 
They foon brought him back, and notwithftanding his fair 
Tale and plaufible Excufes, he was thrown into Prifon. 
However the Prefident fpared his Life, hoping thereby to 
regain his Countrymen. 

Captain Smith., having fent all his Men after the 
German., returned from. the Glafs-houfe alone, armed only 
with a Faucheon. In his Way he met the King of Paf- 
pahey., a Man of great Strength and gigantic Stature. At 
firft, he endeavoured to draw the Prefident into his Am- 
bufcade -, but failing in that, he attempted to (hoot him. 
But Smith., to prevent it, clofed in and grappled with him. 
And the Indian., by mere Dint of Strength, bore him into 
the River, with a Defign to drown him. Long they ftrug- 
gled in the Water, till the Prefident got fuch Hold of his 
Throat, that he almofl: ftrangled him. And then, having 
difengaged himfelf, fo as to draw his Faucheon, the poor 
Savage begged his Life, in fuch a pitiful Manner, that he 
led him to yames-Town., and put him into Chains, where 
he continued for fome time, till by the Negligence of his 
Keepers, he efcaped. Some Endeavours were ufed to re- 
take him, but without EfFe6l ; only the Prefident took two 
Indians Prifoners, Kemps and Tujfore., the two moft exqui- 
fite Villains in all the Country. Thefe Men would have 
betrayed both King and Kindred for a Piece of Copper ; 
and had Captain Wynne and Lieutenant Percy., who were 
fent upon the Bufinefs with fifty Men, followed their Di- 
rections, they would certainly have regained the King, and 
been fully revenged for the Injury and Afl'ault. However, 
that this might not encourage them to farther Boldnefs, 
they attacked and flew feveral of the Nation, burnt their 
Houfes, took their Canoes and fiftiing Weirs, and planted 
fome of them at "James-Town., and were refolved to profe- 
cute them with War, till they were fully humbled and 
fubdued. 

Not 



96 The History of VIRGINIA. Book II. 

1609. Not long after, the Prefident, pafling by Pafpahey in 

^"- — Y 'in his Way to Chlckahominy^ was affaulted by them. But 

John Smith ^g ("qq^, ^g jj^gy IcHcw him, they all threw down their Arms, 
and fued for Peace. Their Spokefman was a lufty young 
Fellow, named Okaning^ whofe Difcourfe well deferves to 
be remembered. He told the Prefident, that the King, his 
Mafler, was there prefent in the Company : That they 
took him for Captain Wynne^ who purfued them in 
War, altho' they had never injured him: That if the King 
offended him in efcaping from Prifon, he ought to confider, 
that the Fifhes fwim, the Fowls fly, and the very Beafts 
ftrive to efcape the Snare and live : That therefore, his 
Mafler, who was a Man, ought not to be blamed, for 
following this necelTary Inftin(St of Nature even in brute 
Animals. He reminded him of the Pains, his Mafler 
took, to fave his Life, when a Prifoner ; and if he had fince 
injured him, he was compelled to it, and it had however 
been already fully revenged, to their too great Lofs. And 
he further told him, if he ftill perfifted in his Refolution to 
deftroy them, they muft abandon their Habitation, and fet- 
tle fomewhere beyond his Reach ; which would only coft 
them more Labour, but would be of worfe Confequence 
to the EngliJ})^ who could not well fubfift without their 
Corn and Fruits. And therefore he earneftly entreated him 
to grant them his Friendfhip, and to permit them to enjoy 
their Houfes, and plant their Fields, in Peace and Security. 
Concluding, that if he would promife them Peace, they 
would truft to his Word ; but if he proceeded in his Re- 
venge, they would quit the Country. Whereupon the 
Prefident promifed them Peace, if they would do no far- 
ther Injury, and would bring in Provifions to the Fort. 
To which they joyfully agreed, and parted good Friends, 
and fo continued, till S?nith left the Country. 

Soon after this, an Indian^ who had been imprifoned 
at ya?nes-TQwn for Theft, had fo fHfled himfelf, by a Char- 
coal Fire in a clofe Room of the Prifon, that he feemed to 
be dead. But the Prefident, by the Application of Vinegar 
and Aqua-vitce^ brought him to himfelf, which was foon 
fpread abroad among the Indians^ throughout the whole 
Country, as a Miracle ; and it was generally believed, that 
Captain Smith could raife a dead Man to Life. And another 
at IVerowocomoco^ having got a large Bag of Powder, to 
Ihew his extraordinary Skill among his Companions, dried 
it on the Back of an Armour, as he had feen the Soldiers 
at 'James-Town do. Many flood peeping over, to fee his 
Skill ; till at lafl it took Fire, and blew him, with one or 
two more, to Death, and fo fcorched and mangled the reft, 

th-^ 



Book II. "The History (/VIRGINIA. 97 

that it raifed a vaft Dread and Aftonifliment in them, and 1609 

a great Admiration of the Power and Art of the Englijh. "^ — y~~^ 

Thefe, with feme other Accidents, fo frighted and amazed >^j.|'^*'J''^ 

Poxvhatan and his People, that they flocked from all Parts, 

and with Prefents defired Peace ; returning many ftolen 

Things, which had never been demanded, or thought of, by 

the Englijh. And ever after, during the Remainder of Capt. 

S?nith\ Adminiftration, both Powhatan and his People would 

fend back to James-Town fuch, as had been taken ftealing, to 

receive their Punifhment ; and the whole Country became 

as abfolutely free and fafe to the Englijh^ as to themfelves. ^^.-^ 

And now the Colony purfued their Bufinefs with Ala- 
crity and Succefs. They made three or four Laft of Tar, 
Pitch, and Soap-Afhes ; produced a Trial of Glafs ; funk 
a Well in the Fort, of excellent Water, which till then 
was wanting ; built about twenty Houfes ; new-covered 
the Church ; provided Nets and Weirs for fifhing ; and to 
flop the Diforders of the Thieves and Indians.^ they built a 
Block-houfe in the Neck of the Ifland, to receive the Trade 
of the Indians ; and none, neither Indian nor Chriftian, was 
fuffered to pafs or repafs, without the Prefident's Order. 
Thirty or forty Acres of Ground were broke up and planted. 
Of three Sows, in eighteen Months, increafed fixty odd 
Pigs ; and near five hundred Chickens brought up them- 
felves, without having any thing given them. But the 
Hogs were tranfported to Hog-Ifland ; where alfo was built 
a Block-houfe, with a Garrifon, to give Notice of any 
Ships ; and for their Exercife at leifure Times, they made 
Clapboard and Wainfcot. In this Time, died Captain 
Wynne \ fo that the Government devolved wholly upon the 
Prefident, as it had before in Effe6l done, by his having 
two Voices in the Council. 

But this Flow of Plenty and Profperity lafted not long. 
For, upon Examination, they found half their Corn rotten, 
and the reft confumed by Rats ; which, coming originally 
from the Ships, had increafed to incredible Multitudes. So 
that all Works were intermitted, and the People fufficiently 
employed to get Provifions. But at firft, the Indians.^ to 
exprefs t!ieir Love, brought in an hundred a Day, at leaft, 
of Squirrels, Turkies, Deer, and other wild Beafts ; and 
Powhatan fpared them near half his Stock of Corn, But 
the Prefident was neverthelefs obliged to detach fixty or 
eighty down the River, to live upon Oyfters. Twenty 
were fent to the Falls with Mr. Weft \ and as many more 
with Lieutenant Percy to Point Cotnfort^ to try for a Fifhery. 
But he being very Tick, and forely burnt with Gun-powder, 
they would not agree in fix Weeks, once to caft out their 
15 H Net. 



98 'The History of VIRGINIA. Book IL 

1609. Net. Many were billetted among the Indians^ who knew, 
^""^^v"^ that thev had fuch a commanding Power at 'James-Town^ 
John Smith jj^^j ji^gy durft not wrong them in the leaft. And in all 
this Time of Diftrefs, they caught more Sturgeon than 
could be devoured by Man and Dog. This the induftri- 
ous, drying and pounding, would mingle with Caviare, 
Sorrel, and wholefome Herbs, and make Bread and good 
Meat. Others would gather as much Tuckahoe Root in 
a Day, as would make them Bread for a Week. So that, 
upon thefe wild Products, and what they caught, the de- 
ligent lived very well and plentifully. 

Yet fuch was the infufFerable Sloth and unreafonable 
Perverfenefs of far the greater Number, that they would 
fooner have periftied, than have been at the Pains to gather 
Food. And they were even importunate with the Prefi- 
dent, to fell their Tools and Iron, nay, their Swords and 
Firelocks, and their very Houfes and Ordinance, to the 
Indians for this Trafti. And they took Occafion from hence, 
in a very turbulent and clamorous Manner, to infift on the 
Neceflity of leaving the Country. But the Prefident, hav- 
ing punifhed one of the worft and moft feditious among 
them, called the reft together, and reprefented to them the 
extreme Folly and Iniquity of their Proceedings. And he 
told them, that if any more were found attempting to run 
away to Newfoundland with the Bark, they might afluredly 
expedl the Gallows, as their Fate : That he never had more 
from the Store than the worfi: of them ; for they well knew 
and faw, that his extraordinary Allowance, as Prefident, 
was conftantly diftributed among the Sick : and. That fmce 
he found, Neceflity had not Power to force them to gather 
the Fruits of the Earth, he was refolved, that they fhould 
gather, not only for themfelves, but alfo for the Sick ; and 
that whofoever would not gather, every Day, as much, as 
he himfelf did, fhould, the next Day, be fet beyond the Ri- 
ver, and banifhed from the Fort, as a Drone. This Order 
raifed a great Clamour and Outcry ; but it made moft of 
them beftir themfelves fo well, that they had Plenty of Food 
to eat, and continued very healthy and ftrong. Yet many 
of them, underftanding, how well they were ufed, that 
were billetted among the Indians^ ran away to Kemps and 
Tujj'ore^ their old Prifoners. But Kemps firfl made himfelf 
Sport with them, fliewing his Countrymen, how he 
was ufed, when a Prifoner, and feeding them upon this 
Condition, that they, who would not work, fhould not eat ; 
and then he carried them back, by Force, to the Prefident. 
This deterred many others, who intended to follow ; and 
made them content, rather to labour at home, than venture 



among 



Book II. rhe History of VIRGINIA. 99 

among the Ind'iam. For the Kings, and better Sort of that 1609. 
People, were fo afraid, or fo friendly, that when the En-' """"^ 
slilh puniflied fome of their bafer Sort with great Severity, Job>' Smith 
they would hu-e them, not to tell it to their kings or 
Countrymen ; left they fhould punifh them again, and fend 
them to James-Town^ to give full Satisfa6tion to the Prefident. 

About this time, Mr. Sicklemore returned from Cha- 
xvonock ; but without any Information of Sir Walter Ralegh's, 
loft Company, or fatisfailory Account of the Silk-grafs. 
And the Prefident, to purfue a Point, thought, fo neceftary 
by the Council in England^ fent off" Mr. Nathaniel Powel 
and Anas Todkill^ to the Mangoags^ a Nation of Indians^ 
not fubjed to Powhatan^ dwelling on the upper Branches 
of Nottoiuay^ or fome jmall Streams of Roanoke River. He 
obtained Guides from the King of the ^lyoughquohanocks^ 
a fmall Nation of hidians^ feated on the South Side of James 
River, about ten Miles above James-Town. This good 
King did ever affeft the Englijh above all others ; and al- 
tho' he was very zealous to his falfe Gods, yet he con- 
fefled, that the Englijh God as much exceeded his, as their 
Guns did his Bow and Arrows ; and in Time of Drought, 
he would often fend Prefents to Captain Smithy to pray 
to his God for Rain. His Guides condu6ted Powel and 
Todkill^ three Days Journey, into a high Country, towards 
the South-JVeJl \ where they faw, here and there, a Corn- 
field, by fome little Spring or fmall Brook, but no large 
River. The People were, in all Refpe6ls, like the reft, 
except their Language. They lived chiefly by hunting, and 
on fruits and Roots; and they trafficked their Skins with 
thofe towards the Sea and fatter Countries, for dried Fifti 
and Corn. But neither did they here, or ever after, hear 
any thing of this Colony, left by Mr. White^ in the Year 
1587, on one of the Iflands oi Hatteras. 

All this while, they employed one William Volday., a 
Zwitzer., by Promifes and Pardons to reclaim his Country- 
men, the Germans., and one Bentley., another Fugitive. But 
this vile Hypocrite, pretending highly to deteft their Vil- 
lany, hereby got an Opportunity, to convey them every 
thing, they wanted, to effedt their Projects, and deftroy 
the Colony. With much Devotion they looked for the 
Spaniard., to whom they were willing and intended to do 
good Service. And finding, the Englijh were obliged to 
difperfe themfelves to gather Food, they importuned Poiu- 
hatan to lend them his Forces ; and they undertook, not 
only to deftroy the Hogs, fire the Town, and feize on the 
Bark, but to bring moft of the Colony to his Service and 
Subjection. This Scheme was communicated to many of 
their Confederates at the Fort ; but two, whofe Hearts re- 
H 2 lented 



loo The History ^/VIRGINIA. Book II. 

1609. lented at the Horror of the A<Sl, revealed it to the Prefi- 

' Y 'dent. He ordered them to keep it ftill a Secret, and to 

7°^''^"'"'' draw them into fuch Ambufcades, as he had prepared. 
But the thing taking Air, and coming to the Ears of the 
impatient Multitude, they were outrageous to go and de- 
ftroy them immediately. Lieutenant Percy and Mr. yohn 
Codrington^ two Gentlemen of high and refolute Spirits, 
offered their Service, to go to Werowocomoco^ and to cut 
their Throats before the Face of Powhatan. But the Pre- 
fident cared not to hazard fuch Perfons, for whom he had 
other Employment ; and gave Way to Mr. IVyffin and Ser- 
jeant Jeffery Ahbot^ to undertake the Matter. But the 
Germans fo blinded Ahhot^ with a fair Tale, that he relent- 
ed ; and IVyfjiri^ tho' willing, cared not to attempt it alone. 
When Powhatan underftood their Bufinefs, he fent imme- 
diately to the Prefident, to inform him, that he neither de- 
tained them, nor hindered his Men from executing his 
Command. For he neither did, nor would, maintain them, 
or any other, to his Difpleafure. But altho' thefe treache- 
rous Foreigners did all, they could, to raife and incenfe 
Powhatan and the Indians againft the Englijh., yet fuch ex- 
ail Intelligence had Captain Syn'ith of their Plots, that their 
Machinations were his greateft Advantage and Security. 
And if any Commotion had happened, he always had it in 
his Power to take Revenge. For all the Country now ftood 
more in Fear of him, than of Poiuhatan ; and he had fuch 
Parties among the bordering Nations, that, out of Love or 
Fear, they would have done any thing, he commanded. 
However, not long after, one of the Germans returned to 
his Duty ; but the other ftill remained with Powhatan. 

Whilst thefe things were paiTing, Captain Samuel Jr- 
gall arrived, who was afterwards an active Perfon here, 
and a noted Governor of the Country. He came to truck 
with the Colony, and to fifh for Sturgeon, with a Ship 
well furniflied with Wine and other good Provifion. This 
was, at that Time, a prohibited Trade; but he being a 
Kinfman to Sir Thomas Smith., the Treafurer, it was con- 
nived at and overlooked. The NecefTities of the Colony 
obliged them to take his Provifions, by which his Voyage 
was loft ; but they revi6lualled him, when their next Sup- 
ply arrived, and fent him to England with a full Account of 
the State of their Affairs. By this Ship, they received Let- 
ters, which taxed the Prefident for his hard Ufage of the 
Natives, and for not returning the Ships freighted. And 
now alfo, they firft had an Account of the Alterations in 
England., and of the great Preparations and large Supply, 
to be fent by the Lord Delawarr., appointed Captain-Gene- 
ral and Governor in Chief of Virginia. 

THE 



101 



THE 

HISTORY 

OF 
VIRGINIA. 

BOOK III. 



P^y-i*'^^^ Treafurer, Council, and Company in ^6°9- 
i^'jf- '^ ^'^^ England^ were itill intent upon prefent Gain, ^■"'^^^ 
'"::c) 'I' .;) :; and gaping after the Mines of Mexico and -J^^j-^J^^'"^ 
?.:vi^, ^ I'rT^'T -^''^^ ^'^"^ their Difcovery •, and upon the 
%C^ '' r^>|^ ^'^^ Voyage, not finding that Profit and Re- 
turn, they expe6ted, they were much dif- 
appointed and enraged. To this was added Neiuport\ Ac- 
count of things, which was certainly not very favourable 
to their Condu6t and Management in Firg'niia. The Com- 
pany therefore made Interelt to his Majelly, to grant them 
a new Charter, which bears Date the 23d of May 1609, 
and contains larger Powers and more ample Privileges, than 
the former ; as may be feen in the Original, printed at 
large in the Appendix. By this Charter the Power and Au- 
thority of the Prefident and Council in Virginia were ex- 
prefly abrogated ; and they were ftreightly commanded, 
upon their Allegiance, to pay Obedience to fuch Governor or 
Governors, as fhould be appointed by the Council in England. 
In Confequcnce of which Power, the Council conftituted 
Sir Thomas IVcJi^ Lord Delawarr^ Captain-General of Fir- 
ginia ; Sir Thomas Gates^ his Lieutenant-General ; Sir 
George Somers^ Admiral ; Captain Neiuport^ Vice-Admiral ; 
Sir Thomas Dale^ High-Marflial ; Sir Ferdinando fVaifiman^ 
General of the Horfe ; and fo, many other Offices, to fe- 
veral worthy Gentlemen, for their Lives. 

H3 This 




r/v History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

This new Charter was granted to the Earls of Sal'if- 
hury^ Suffolk^ Southampton^ Pembroke^ and other Peers, to 
the Number of twenty one ; to the Honourable George 
Percy and Francis Weji^ Efqrs; to Sir Humphrey Weld^ Lord 
Mayor of London^ and ninety eight other Knights, ex- 
prefly named ; and to Dr. Matthew SutcUffe^ with a great 
Multitude more, of Dodors, Efquires, Gentlemen, Offi- 
cers, Merchants, and Citizens, together with many Cor- 
porations and Companies of London. So many Perfons of 
great Power, Intereft, and Fortune, engaging in the En- 
terprize, and the Lord Delawarr^ with the other Gentle- 
men of Difl:in6tion, appointed to the feveral Offices, foon 
drew in fuch large Sums of Money, that they difpatched 
away Sir Thomas Gates., Sir George Somers., and Captain 
Newport^ with nine Ships, and five hundred People. Thefe 
three Gentlemen had, each of them, a Commiffion, who 
firft arrived, to call in the old. But becaufe they could not 
agree for Place, it was concluded, that they fhould all go 
in one Ship, called the Sea-Venture. They failed from En- 
gland., the latter End of May 1609 ; but the 25th of July., 
the Admiral-Ship was parted from the reft of the Fleet, by 
the Tail of a Hurricane, having on board the three Com- 
manders, an hundred and fifty Men, their new Commif- 
fion, and Bills of Lading, together with all Manner of In- 
ftruftions and Directions, and the beft Part of their Provi- 
fions. She arrived not, but was foundered on Bermudas., 
as fhall be hereafter related, A fmall Catch likewife perifli- 
ed in the Hurricane ; but the feven other Ships came fafe. 
In them, as Captains, came Ratcliffe (whofe right Name, 
as is faid, was Sickle?nore) Martin., and Archer., with Cap- 
tain Wood., Captain Wehbe., Captain Moon., Captain King., 
Captain Davies., Mr. Ralph Hamer., and divers other Gen- 
tlemen, of good Fortune, and eminent Birth. The Prefi- 
dent, being informed by his Scouts of the Arrival of this 
Fleet, little dreamed of fuch a Supply, but fuppofed them, 
at firft, to be Spaniards. He therefore put himfelf into the 
beft Pofture of Defence, he could ; and being feconded by 
the Indians (who, upon this Occafion, ftiewed their Friend- 
fhip, and prepared, with great Alacrity, to affift the En- 
glijh with their utmoft Power) they thought themfelves fo 
well provided for the Reception of an Enemy, that they 
little feared their Coming. 

Ratcliffe., Martin., and Archer., had bred much Diftur- 
bance at Sea, and had paved the Way, for being even more 
troublefome aftiore. For they had infufed fuch Jealoufies 
and Prejudices into the Company againft Captain Smith., 
that they mortally hated him, before they had ever feen 

him. 



Book III. "The History of VIRGINIA. 103 

him. But feveral of better Senfe and Experience among 1609. 

them, from their firft landing, hearing the general good ' — -r ' 

Report of his old Soldiers, and feeing the Prudence and Up- 7°^" ^^"'^^ 
rightnefs of his Actions, were foon undeceived, and faw 
into the Malice of Ratclijffe and his Faction. They there- 
fore left their Society, and ever adhered to Captain Smithy 
as his firm and faithful Friends. But a great Part of this 
new Company confifted of unruly Sparks, packed ofF by 
their Friends, to efcape worfe Deftinies at home. And the 
reft were chiefly made up of poor Gentlemen, broken 
Tradefmen, Rakes and Libertines, Footmen, and fuch 
others, as were much fitter to fpoil or ruin a Common- 
wealth, than to help to raife or maintain one. This lewd 
Company therefore were led by their feditious Captains, 
into many Mifchiefs and Extravagancies. They affumed 
to themfelves the Power of difpofing of the Government ; 
and conferred it fometimes on one, and fometimes on ano- 
ther. To-day, the old Commiffion muft rule ; To-morrow, 
the new ; and next Day, neither. So that, all was Anar- 
chy and Diftra(Slion ; neither were there any Hopes, from 
the prefent Pofture of Afi-airs, but of the utmolt Mifery 
and Confufion. 

The German alfo, that had returned to the EngUJh^ 
feeing this diftrailed State of things, and hoping for fome 
Advantage from it, fled again, with one of his Conforts, 
to Powhatan \ to whom he promifed Wonders, at the Ar- 
rival of Lord Delawarr. But that fenfible Barbarian, 
knowing the Wickednefs and Perfidy of their Nature, re- 
plied ; That they, who would have betrayed Captain 
Smith to him, would certainly betray him to this great 
Lord, to make their Peace. And fo, he ordered his Men, 
to beat out their Brains. But Volday^ the Zwit%er^ made 
a fhift to get to England; where purfuading the Merchants, 
what rich Mines he had found, and what Services he would 
do them, he was well rewarded, and fent back with the 
Lord Delawarr. But being found a mere Impoftor, he died 
in a moft contemned and miferable Manner. 

Captain tS'^/z/V^, all this Time of Turbulency and 
Diftradlion, was fadly troubled and perplexed, how to pro- 
ceed. At firft, finding his Authority thus unexpecSledly 
cancelled and changed, he refolved to leave all, and return 
for England. But afterwards, feeing, there was little Hope 
of the Arrival of this new Commiffion, and that his own 
was not legally fuperfeded, but by the aftual Production of 
another, he determined to bear up, and to a6l with Vigor 
and Refolution. He therefore fet himfelf, with great Cou- 
rage, and the perpetual Hazard of his Life, to oppofe this 
H 4 Tor- 



iio^ TJ:e History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

I 1609. rent of Fa6lion and Immorality ; and at laft, fo far mafter- 

Y 'ed it, that he caft RatcUffe^ Archer^ and the other Chiefs, 

John Smith ij-,fQ Prifon, till he had more Leifure, to bring them to a 
fair and legal Trial. And the better to dillipate the Hu- 
mours, and to break their Confederacies, he fent Mr. IVeJ}^ 
with an hundred and twenty, the beft, he could chufe, to 
make a Settlement at the Falls ; and Martin^ with near the 
fame Number, to Nanfamond; allowing each their due Pro- 
portion of all the Provifions, according to their Number. 
And now the Year of his Prefidency being near expired, he 
made Captain Martin^ who was become more tractable, 
Prefident in his Room. But Martin^ knowing his own In- 
fufficiency, and the People's Unrulinefs and little Regard 
for him, within three Hours, refigned it again to Captain 
Smith. For as Ratciijfe had been removed from the Coun- 
cil, and was not again refl:ored, Martin and S?nith were the 
only two then in the Country, that could either ele<5t, or be 
eleiled Prefident. And Martin., having thus wifely difen- 
gaged himfelf from an Office, which he was then no ways 
able to execute or fupport, proceeded to make his Settle- 
ment at Nanfamond. That Nation, having been reduced to 
Subje6lion and Contribution, ufed him kindly ; yet fuch 
were his unreafonable Jealoufy and Fear, that he furprifed the 
poor naked King, and his Monuments and Houfes, with 
the Ifland, wherein he lived, and there fortified himfelf. 
But the Indians., foon perceiving his Fear and Difl:ra6lion, 
ventured to aflault him ; and they killed feveral of his Men, 
releafed their King, and gathered and carried off a thoufand 
Bufhels of Corn; whilft he, in the mean while, never once 
offered to intercept them, but fent to the Prefident, then 
at the Falls, for thirty Soldiers. Thefe were prefently fent 
him, from fames-Town. But he fo employed them, that 
they did nothing, and foon returned, complaining of his 
Tendernefs and Cowardice. And he likewife, leaving his 
Company to their Fortunes, came away with them to 
fames-Toiun. 

The Prefident followed the other Company up to the 
Falls, to fee them well feated. But he was furprifed, in 
his Way, to meet Captain JVeJi., fo foon returning to fames- 
Town ■■, and he found the Settlement very inconfiderately 
made, in a Place, not only liable to the River's Inundation, 
but alfo fubje6l to many other intolerable Inconveniences. 
To remedy which, he immediately fent to Powhatan., to 
purchafe the Place, called Powhatan. The Conditions of 
their Agreement were thefe : That the EngUfl) {hould de- 
fend him againft the Manakins : That he fhould refign to 
them the Fort and the Houfes, with all that Country, for a 

Pro- 



Book III. TZv History of VIRGINIA. 105 

Proportion of Copper : That all Thieves ftiould be fent 1609. 

thither, to receive their Punifliment : That every Houie, ^"- — v ' 

as a Cuftom, (hould pay the Prefident a Bufhel of Corn, J"^" ^"'"^ 
for an Inch fquare of Copper, and a certain Quantity of 
Pocones to King James^ for their Protection : and, That 
they fhould barter, what elfe they could fpare, at their beft 
Difcretion. But Captain IVeJi's Company depended fo 
much on the Lord General's new Commiffion, that they 
regarded no Perfon or thing. And fuppofing the Mana- 
k'lns' Country reached to the South-Sea^ and was all Gold, 
thev pleafed themfelves with the vain Conceit, that it was 
entirely under their Power and Command, and that none 
fhould go thither, b.ut whom they pleafed. They therefore 
reje(Sfed the Prefident with Infolence and Contempt. How- 
ever he ventured, with five Men, to land among them ; 
and committed the Heads of the Mutiny to Prifon, till, by 
their Numbers, they obliged him to retire. In making oft", 
he happily furprifed one of their Boats, with which he re- 
turned to the Ship ; and had not the Mariners proved very 
tradable and faithful to him, he had fmall Means and little 
Probability of efcaping their Fury. 

The Indians alfo came to him; complaining, that he 
had brought them, for Prote6lors, worfe Enemies, than 
the Manakins themfelves ; that they ftole their Corn, rob- 
bed their Gardens, broke open their Houfes, beat them, 
and kept feveral in Prifon ; and that, till then, they had 
borne all this, out of Love to him, but defired Pardon, if 
hereafter they defended themfelves. They likewife offered 
him their Affiftance, and to fight for him againft them, if 
he would lead them on. But having fpent nine Days, to 
no Purpofe, in endeavouring to reclaim them, he departed 
for 'James-Town. The Ship was no fooner under Sail, but 
twelve Indians afTaulted thofe hundred and twenty in their 
Fort. And finding many ftraggling abroad in the Woods, 
they killed fome, and fo frighted the reft, that their Coun- 
trymen in Prifon efcaped, and they went fafely off^, with 
the Swords and Cloaks of thofe, they had flain. But before 
the Ship had failed half a League, fhe grounded ; which 
gave the Prefident an Opportunity of fummoning them, 
once more, to a Parley. And now he found them fo 
amazed with that filly Aflault of the Indians., that they 
furrendered themfelves, upon any Terms, to his Mercy. 
He therefore laid fix or feven of the chief Oftenders by the 
Heels ; and feated the reft at Powhatan^ the ftrongeft and 
moft pleafant Place, he had feen in the Country ; and for 
that Reafon, they called it Nonfuch. Here they had dry 
Houfes for Lodgings, near two hundred Acres of Land, 
^^ cleared 



]o6 r/v History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1 609. cleared and ready for planting, with a Savage Fort, ready 

"^ V 'built, and prettily fortified with Poles and Barks of Trees, 

^''*" /^""'^ and fufficient to have defended them againft all the Indians 

'' ■ in the Country. He likewife appeafed the Indians^ making 

Reltitution and Satisfaction, to each Party, for their former 

Lofl'es and Damages. 

And now, new Officers being appointed, and the Prefi- 
dent ready to depart, juft at that Inftant arrived Captain 
IVeJi ; whofe gentle Nature was fo wrought on and abufed, 
by Compaflion for the Prifoners, and the Perfuafions of the 
Mutineers, who aliedged, they had only done this for his Ho- 
nour, that all things were again thrown into Confufion and 
Mutiny. But the Prefident, haying no Inclination to con- 
tend with Mr. ff^e/I^ and little Power to curb their Info- 
lence, left them to their Fortunes, and returned to yames- 
Town. And foon after they abandoned Nonfuch^ and went 
back to their firll Settlement at JVejT^-Fort. 

But paffing down the River, as Captain S?nith was 
adeep in the Boat, his Powder-bag, by fome Accident, was 
fired ; which tore the Flefh from his Body and Thighs, 
nine or ten Inches fquare, in a moft dreadful Manner. To 
quench the Fire, which fryed and tormented him in his 
Cloaths, he leaped overboard, and was almoft drowned, be- 
fore they could recover him. In this piteous State, he ar- 
rived at yames-Town ; where RatcUffe^ Archer^ and the 
reft of their Confederates, were foon to come to their 
Ti'ials. But their guilty Confciences mifgiving them, and 
feeing the Prefident unable to ftand, and almoft bereft of 
his Senfes by reafon of his Torment, they entered into a 
Confpiracy to Murder him in his Bed. But his Heart failed 
him, who was to have given Fire to the Piftol. And fo, 
being difappointed in this Purpofe, they joined together, to 
ufurp the Government, and thereby efcape their Punifti- 
ment. In the mean time, the Prefident's old Soldiers, be- 
ing provoked, beyond all Patience, at their Malice and Se- 
dition, flocked to him, and importuned him to give them 
but the Word, and ther would fetch the Heads of the bold- 
eft among them, that durft refift his Commands. Yet he 
would not fufter them to bring the Matter to a civil Broil ; 
but fent immediately for the Mafters of the Ships, and took 
Order with them for his Return to England. For there 
was neither Chirurgeon nor Chirurgery at the Fort ; and 
his Wounds were fo grievous, and Torments fo cruel, that 
few expected, he could live. And he likewife highly re- 
fented, and was much chagrined, to fee his Authority fup- 
prcfied, he knew not why ; himfelf aad his Soldiers to be 
rewarded for their paft Labours and Dangers, he knew not 

how ; 



Book III. The History of VIRGINIA. 

how ; and a new Commiflion granted, to they knew not 
whom. And befides, he found himfelf unable to follow his 
liufinefs, fupprefs thofe Fa6lions, and range the Country •J''^"*""* 
for Provifions, as he before intended. And he well knew, 
that his own Prefence and A6tivity were as requifite in thofe 
Affairs, as his Advice and Directions. For all which Rea- 
fons, he refolved upon leaving the Country, and went pre- 
fently on board one of the Ships. 

Captain Percy had been, for fome time, in a very The Hon. 
bad State of Health, and had taken his Paffage in one of the George Percy 
Ships, to go to England. But now, upon Smith's Depar--^*^' ^°^'^''" 
ture, many came about him, and by Intreaties and Per- 
fuafions, prevailed with him to ftay, and take upon him the 
Government. But there were many others up in Arms, 
calling themfelves Prefidents and Counfellors ; feveral of 
which began now to fawn upon and follicite Smithy to give 
up his Commiflion to them. And after much ado, and 
many bitter Repulfes, that their Ruin and Confufion might 
not be attributed to him, for leaving the Country without 
a Commiflion, he permitted it to be ffolen, but never could 
be induced to refign it into fuch vile Hands. In which he 
feems to have been fomething froward and peevifli. For 
fince the old Soldiers, and better Sort of new Comers, had 
generally agreed upon Captain Percy for their Governor, a 
Perfon every way fit for the Ofllice, except in Point of 
Health, it would have been but reafonable in him, to have 
endeavoured to confirm him in his Authority, and when 
he departed, to have delivered up his Commiflion to him. 

And thus, about Michaelmas 1609, Captain Smith left i 
the Country, never again to fee it. ! He left behind him \ 
three Ships and feven Boats ; Commodities ready for Trade ; ; 
the Corn newly gathered ; ten Weeks Provifion in the 
Store ; four hundred ninety and odd Perfons ; twenty four 
Pieces of Ordinance ; three hundred Mufkets, with other 
Arms and Ammunition, more than fufficient for the Men ; 
the Indians^ their Language, and Habitations, well known 
to an hundred trained and expert Soldiers ; Nets for fifliing; 
Tools, of all Sorts, to work ; Apparel, to fupply their 
Wants ; fix Mares and a Horfe ; five or fix hundred Hogs ; 
as many Hens and Chickens ; with fome Goats, and fome 
Sheep. For whatever had been brought, or bred here, ftill 
remained. But this feditious and diftrafted Rabble, re- 
garding not any thing, but from Hand to Mouth, riotoufly 
confumed, what there was ; and took Care for nothing, 
but to colour and make out fome Complaints againit Cap- 
tain Smith. Yov this Fnd, the Ships were Ttaid three 
Weeks, at a great Charge, till thev could produce and 

bring 



io8 The History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1609. bring them to bear. But, not with ftanding their perverfe 
^— ""v-^'— ' Humours and unreafonable Clamours, Captain Smith was 
The Hon. undoubtedly a Perfon of a very great and generous Way of 
E^q.'^Qyyg^'^ thinking, and full of a high Idea of the publick Good and 
nor. his Country's Honour. To his Vigor, Induftry, and un- 

daunted Spirit and Refolution, the Eftablifhment and firm 
Settlement of this Colony was certainly owing ; and there- 
fore it may not be unacceptable to the Reader, to have 
fome farther Account of his Perfon and Actions. And this 
we are enabled to do the more authenticly, as he hath him- 
felf, at the Requeft of Sir Robert Cotton^ the famous Anti- 
quarian, left a brief Relation of his principal Travels and 
Adventures. 

H E was born a Gentleman, to a competent Fortune, at 
Willoughhy in Lincoln/hire^ in the Year 1579. From his 
very Childhood, he had a roving and romantic Fancy, and 
was flrangely fet upon performing fome brave and adven- 
turous Atchievement. Accordingly, being about thirteen 
Years of Age at School, he fold his Satchel and Books, and 
all, he had, to raife Money, in order to go fecretly beyond 
Sea. But his Father dying juft at that Time, he was flop- 
ped for the prefent, and fell into the Hands of Guardians, 
more intent on improving his Eflrate, than him. However, 
at fifteen, in the Year 1594, he was bound to a Merchant 
at Lynne^ the mofi: confiderable Trader in thofe Parts. 
But becaufe he would not fend him immediately to Sea, he 
found Means, in the Train of Mr. Peregrine Berty^ fecond 
Son to the Lord Willoughhy^ to pafs into France. Here, 
and in the Low-Countries, he firft learnt the Rudiments of 
War ; to which Profeilion he was led, by a ftrong Propen- 
fity of Genius. He was afterwards carried into Scotland., 
with delufive Hopes, from a Scottijh Gentleman, of being 
efFe<5lually recommended to King fames. But foon find- 
ing himfelf baffled in his Expe6tations, he returned to Wil- 
loughhy., his native Place ; where meeting with no Compa- 
ny, agreeable to his Way of thinking, he retired into a 
Wood, at a good Diftance from any Town, and there 
built himfelf a Pavilion of Boughs, and was wholly em- 
ployed, in ftudying fome Treatifes of the Art of War, 
and in the Exercife of his Horfe and Lance. But his 
Friends, being concerned at fuch a whimfical Turn of 
Mind, prevailed with an Italian Gentleman, Rider to the 
Earl of Lincoln., to infinuate himfelf into his Acquaintance ; 
and as he was an expert Horfeman, and his Talent and Stu- 
dies lay the fame Way with Mr. Smiths., he drew him from 
his fylvan Retirement, to fpend fome time with him at 
Tatterfall. 

But 



Book III. The History of VIRGINIA. 109 

But Smith's reftlefs Genius foon hurried him again into 
Flanders; where lamenting to fee fuch Effufion of Chriftian 
Blood, he refolved to try his Fortune againft the Turks. 
In order to this, he paffed through France^ with Variety 
of Adventure and Misfortune, in which he always (hewed 
a high and martial Spirit. At Marfeilles he embarked for 
Italy. But the Ship meeting with much foul Weather, a 
Rabble of Pilgrims, on board, hourly curfed him for a Hu- 
gonot, railed at Qiieen Elizabeth and his whole Nation, 
and fwore, they fhould never have fair Weather, as long 
as he was in the Ship. At laft, the Paflions of thefe pious 
Chriftians rofe fo high, that they threw him overboard ; 
trufting, we may fuppofe, in the Merit and Supererogation 
of that holy Pilgrimage, to expiate the trifling Offence and 
Peccadillo of Murder. However, Smith., by the Divine 
Affiflance, got fafe to a fmall uninhabited Ifland, againft 
Nice in Savoy. From thence he was, the next Day, taken 
off by a French Rover, who treated him very kindly, and 
with whom he therefore made the Tour of the whole Me- 
diterranean., both on the Mahometan and the Chriftian Coafts. 
At length, after a defperate Battle, having taken a very 
rich Venetian Ship, the generous Frenchman fet him afhore, 
with his Share of the Prize; amounting to five hundred Se- 
queens in Specie, and a Box of rich Commodities, worth 
near as much more. And now out of Curiofity ranging 
all the Regions and Principalities of Italy., he at laft went 
to Vienna., and entered himfelf a Gentleman Volunteer, in 
Count Meldritch's Regiment, againft the Turk. 

H E had not been long in the Chriftian Army, before he 
was diftinguiflied for a Man of great perfonal Bravery ; and 
in the Sieges of Olumpagh and Alba-Regalis., he was the 
Author of fome Stratagems, which fhewed a happy Talent 
for War, and did fignal Service to the Chriftian Caufe. He 
was thereupon immediately advanced to the Command of a 
Troop of Horfe ; and was, foon after, made Serjeant Ma- 
jor of the Regiment, a Poft, at that Time, next to the 
Lieutenant Colonel. But Count Meldritch., a Tranfihanian 
Nobleman by Birth, afterwards palled with his Regiment, 
out of the Imperial Service, into that of his natural Prince, 
Sigifmond Bathori., Duke of Tranfilvania. And here, en- 
deavouring to recover fome patrimonial Lordfliips, then in 
the Pofteflion of the Turk., he laid Siege to a ftrong Town, 
chiefly inhabited by Renegados and Banditti. Whilft their 
Works were advancing flowly, and with great Difficulty, 
a Turkijh Officer iffued forth of the Town, and challenged 
any Chriftian, of the Dignity of a Captain, to a fingle 
Combat. Many were eager of the Honour of humbling 

this 



no "The History <?/" VIRGINIA. Book III. 

this haughty Muflelman ; but it was at lafl decided, by Lot, 
in Favour of Captain Smith. Accordingly, the Ramparts 
of the Town being filled with fair Dames and Men in Arms, 
and the Chriftian Army drawn up in Battalia, the Comba- 
tants entered the Field, well mounted and richly armed, to 
the Sound of Hautboys and Trumpets ; where, at the firft 
Encounter, Stnith bore the Turk dead to the Ground, and 
went off^ triumphantly with his Head. But the Infidel Gar- 
rifon being enraged at this, he afterwards engaged two o- 
ther Officers ; and being a great Mafter of his Arms, and 
the Management of his Horfe, he carried off their Heads, 
in the fame Manner. After which, being attended with a 
Guard of -fix thoufand Men, with the three Turkijh Horfes 
led before him, and before each a 'Turk''i Head upon a 
Spear, he was conducted to the General's Pavilion ; who 
received him with open Arms, and prefented him with a 
fine Horfe, richly caparifoned, and with a Scimitar and 
Belt, worth three hundred Ducats. Soon after, the Duke 
himfelf, coming to view his Army, gave him his Pi6lure, 
fet in Gold ; fettled three hundred Ducats upon him, as a 
Yearly Penfion ; and iffued his Letters patent of NoblelTe, 
giving him three Turks Heads, in a Shield, for his Arms ; 
which Coat he ever afterwards bore, and it was admitted 
and recorded in the Herald's Office in England^ by Sir IVil- 
liam Segar., Garter, principal King at Arms. 

But foon after, the Duke of Tranfdvania was deprived 
of his Dominions by the Emperor ; and S?nith., at the fatal 
Battle of Rottenton., in the Year 1602, was left upon the 
Field, among the dreadful Carnage of Chriftians, as dead. 
But the Pillagers, perceiving Life in him, and judging by 
the Richnefs of his Habit and Armour, that his Ranfom 
might be confiderable, took great Pains to recover him. 
After that, he was publickly fold, among the other Prifo- 
ners ; and was bought by a Baftiaw, who fent him to Con- 
Jiantinople^ as a Prefent to his Miftrefs, Charatza Traga- 
bigzanda., a beautiful young Tartarian Lady. Smith was 
then twenty three Years of Age, in the Bloom of Life, 
and, as it feems, of a very handfome Perfon. For this 
young Lady was fo moved with Compaffion, or rather 
Love, for him, that flie treated him with the utmoft Ten- 
dernefs and Regard. And to prevent his being ill ufed, or 
fold, by her Mother, fhe fent him into Tartary., to her 
Brother, who was Timor Bafhaw of Nalbrits^ on the Pa- 
lus Alceotis. Here, fhe intended, he fhould flay, to learn 
the Language, together with the Manners and Religion of 
the Turks^ till Time ftiould make her Miftrefs of herfelf. 

But 



Book III. r/u' History of VIRGINIA. 

But the Bafhaw, fufpeding fomething of the Matter, 
from the afFe£lionate ExprefTions, with which fhe recom- 
mended and prefled his good Ufage, only treated Smith 
with the greater Cruelty and Inhumanity. Smith\ high 
Spirit, raifed alfo bv a Confcioufnefs of Tragahig%anda'% 
Paffion, could but ill brook this harfh Treatment. At laft, 
being one Day threfliing alone, at a Grange above a League 
from the Houfe, the Timor came, and took Occafion, fo 
to kick, fpurn, and revile him, that forgetting all Reafon, 
87nith beat out his Brains, with his threfhing Bat. Then 
reflefting upon his defperate State, he hid the Body under 
the Straw, filled his Knapfack with Corn, put on the Ti- 
mor's Cloaths, and mounting his Horfe, fled into the De- 
ferts of CircaJJia. After two or three Days fearful Wan- 
dering, he happened, providentially, on the Caltragan, or 
great Road, that leads, into Mufcovy. Following this, for 
fixteen Days, with infinite Dread and Fatigue, he at laft 
arrived at a Mufcovite Garrifon, on the Frontiers. Here 
he was kindly entertained and prefented, as alfo at all the 
Places, through which he pafled. Having travelled through 
Siberia^ Mufcovy^ Tranfilvania^ and the Midft of Europe^ 
he at length found his old Friend and gracious Patron, the 
Duke of Tranftlvania^ at Leipfick^ together with Count 
Meldr'itch^ his Colonel. Having fpent fome time with them, 
the Duke, at his Departure, gave him a Pafs, intimating 
the Services, he had done, and the Honours, he had re- 
ceived ; prefenting him, at the fame Time, with fifteen 
hundred Ducats of Gold, to repair his Lofles. And altho' 
he was now intent on returning to hig native Country, yet 
being furniflied with this Money, he fpent fome time, in 
travelling through the principal Cities and Provinces of Ger- 
rnany^ France^ and Spain. From the laft, being led by 
the Rumour of Wars, he pafled over into Africa.^ and vi- 
fited the Court of Morocco. Having viewed many of the 
Places and Curiofities of Barbary., he at laft returned, through 
France.^ to England-, and in his Paflage in a French Galley, 
they had a moft defperate Engagement, for two or three 
Days together, with two Spauifl) Men of War. In En- 
gland., all things were ftill, and in the moft profound Peace; 
fo that, there was no Room or Profpecl for a Perfon of his 
adive and warhke Genius. And therefore, having fpent 
fome time, in an idle and uneafy State, he willingly em- 
barked himfelf with Captain Gofnold., in the Projed of fet- 
tling Colonies in America., and came to Virginia. 

H I s Condu6l here hath been fufficiently related ; and I 
fhall finifti his Charafter, with the Teftimonies of fome of 
his Soldiers and Fellow-Adventurers. They own him to 

have 



112 rbe History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

have made Juftice his firft Guide, and Experience his fe- 
cond : That he was ever fruitful in Expedients, to provide 
for the People under his Command, whom he would never 
fufFer to wan. any thing, he either had, or could procure : 
That he rather chofe to lead, than fend his Soldiers into 
Danger ; and upon all hazardous or fatiguing Expeditions, 
always fhared every thing equally with his Company, and 
never defired any of them, to do or undergo any thing, that 
he was not ready, to do or undergo himfelf : That he hated 
Bafenefs, Sloth, Pride, and Indignity, more than any Dan- 
ger : That he would fufFer Want, rather than borrow ; 
and ftarve, fooner than not pay : That he loved Adlion, 
more than Words ; and hated Falfliood and Covetoufnefs, 
worfe than Death : and, That his Adventures gave Life and 
Subfiftency to the Colony, and his Lofs was their Ruin and 
Deftru6tion. They confefs, that there were many Cap- 
tains in that Age (as there are indeed in all Ages) who were 
no Soldiers ; but that Captain Smith was a Soldier, of the 
true old EngUjJ] Stamp, who fought, not for Gain or 
empty Praife, but for his Country's Honour and the pub- 
lick Good : That his Wit, Courage, and Succefs here, 
were worthy of eternal Memory : That by the mere Force 
of his Virtue and Courage, he awed the Indian Kings, and 
made them fubmit, and bring Prefents : That, notwith- 
ftanding fuch a ftern and invincible Refolution, there was 
feldom feen a milder and more tender Heart, than his was : 
That he had nothing in him counterfeit or fly, but was 
open, honeft, and fincere : and. That they never knew a 
Soldier, before him, fo free from thofe military Vices, of 
Wine, Tobacco, Debts, Dice, and Oaths. 

From this Account of Captain Smithy extrailed from 
his own Writings and the Tefliimony of his Contempora- 
ries and Acquaintance, it will be eafily feen, that he was 
a Soldier of Fortune, who had run through great Variety 
of Life and Adventure. And indeed he was fo famous for 
this in his own Age, that he lived to fee himfelf brought 
upon the Stage, and the chief Dangers, and mofl interefl- 
ing Paffages of his Life, racked, as he complains, and mif- 
reprefented in low Tragedies. } I cannot therefore forbear 
tranfiently obferving Oldrnixon^'i, Miflrake, who fays, that 
the Company took him into their Service, becaufe he was 
a noted Seaman, and famed for his Experience in maritime 
Affairs. But to remark all the Errors of our Hifforians, 
but moft efpecially of Oldmixon^ the weakefl, moft idle, 
and erroneous of all others, would be an infinite Work, 
and too often interrupt and break the Thread of my Nar- 
ration. I hope therefore, the courteous Reader will be fa- 

tisfied 



Book III. T:be History of VIRGINIA. 113 

tisfied with this fhort Caution and Animadverfion, once for 1609. 

all. For to fpeak the Truth ingenuoufly, I had rather' ^ ' 

find out and correal one Miftake in my own than expofe 
and ridicule twenty Blunders in the Hiftories of others. But 
to return to the Affairs of Firginia. 

It hath been before faid, that the Admiral-Ship, with john Smith 
Sir Thomas Gates^ Sir George Somers^ and Captain Newport Prefident. 
on board, was feparated from the reft of the Fleet in a Storm. 
She was fo racked and torn by the violent Working of the 
Sea, and became fo fhattered and leaky, that the Water 
rofe in the Hold above two Tire of Hogflieads ; and they 
were obliged to ftand up to their Middles, with Kettles, 
Buckets, and other Veffels, to bail it out. And thus they 
bailed and pumped, three Days and Nights, without Inter- 
miflion ; and yet the Water feemed rather to gain upon 
them, than decreafe. At laft, all being utterly fpent with 
Labour, and feeing no Hope, in Man's Apprehenfion, but 
of prefently finking, they refolved to (hut up the Hatches, 
and to commit themfelves to the Mercy of the Sea and 
God's good Providence. In this dangerous and defperate 
State, fome, who had good and comfortable Waters, fetched 
them, and drank to one another, as taking their laft Leaves, 
till a more happy and joyful Meeting in the other World, 
But it pleafed God, in his moft gracious Providence, fo to 
guide their Ship, to her beft Advantage, that they were 
all preferved, and came fafe to Shore. 

For Sir George Somers had fat, all this Time, upon the 
Poop, fcarce allowing himfelf Leifure, either to eat or 
fleep, cunning the Ship, and keeping her upright, or fhe 
muft, otherwife, long before this, have foundered. As 
he there fat, looking wiflifully about, he moft happily and 
unexpectedly defcried Land. This welcome News, as if 
it had been a Voice from Heaven, hurried them all above 
Hatches, to fee, what they could fcarce believe. But there- 
by, improvidently forfaking their Work, they gave fuch an 
Advantage to their greedy Enemy, the Sea, that they were 
very nigh being fwallowed up. But none were now to be 
urged, to do his beft. Altho' they knew it to be Bermu- 
das^ a Place then dreaded and ftiunned by all Men, yet 
they fpread all the Sail, and did every thing elfe, in their 
Power, to reach the Land. It was not long, before the 
Ship ftruck upon a Rock ; but a Surge of the Sea caft her 
from thence, and fo from one to another, till ftie was moft 
luckily thrown up between two, as upright, as if ftie had 
been on the Stocks. And now the Danger was, left the 
Billows, overtaking her, ftiould, in an Inftant, have daftied 
and ftiivered her to Pieces. But all on a fudden, the Wind 
I ^ lay, 




rhe History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

lay, and gave Place to a Calm ; and the Sea became ib 
peaceable and ftill, that, with the greateft Conveniency and 
John Smith Eafe, they unfhipped all their Goods, Victuals, and Peo- 
ple, and in their Boats, with extreme Joy, almoft to A- 
mazement, arrived in Safety, without the Lofs of a Man, 
altho' more than a League from the Shore. 

How thefe Iflands came by the Name of Bermudas^ is 
not certainly agreed. Some fay, that they were fo named 
after John Berniudax^ a Spaniard^ who firft difcovered them, 
about the Year 1522. Others report, that a Spani/h Ship, 
called the Bennudas^ was caft away upon them, as (he was 
carrying Hogs to the Weji-Indies^ which fwam afhore, and 
increafed to incredible Numbers. But they had been, in 
all Times before, infamous and terrible to Mariners, for 
the Wreck of many Spani/h^ Dutch^ and French Veflels. 
They were therefore, with the ufual Elegance of the Sea 
Stile, by many called the Ifle of Devils ; and were efteemed 
the Hell or Purgatory of Seamen, the moft dangerous, un- 
fortunate, and forlorn Place in the World. 

But the fafe Arrival of this Company was not more 
ftrange and providential, than their Feeding and Support 
was beyond all their Hopes or Expe6lation. For they found 
it the richeft, pleafanteft, and moft healthful Place, they 
had ever feen. Being fafe on Shore, they difpofed them- 
felves, fome to fearch the Iflands for Food and Water, and 
others to get afhore, what they could, from the Ship. Sir 
George Somers had not ranged far, before he found fuch a 
Fifhery, that, in half an Hour, he took,, with a Hook and 
Line, as many, as fufficed the whole Company. In fome 
Places, they were fo thick in the Coves, and fo big, that 
they were afraid to venture in amongft them ; and Sir 
George Somers caught one, that had before carried off two 
of his Hooks, fo large, that it would have pulled him into 
the Sea, had not his Men got hold of him. Two of thofe 
Rock-fifti would have loaded a Man ; neither could any 
where be found, fatter, or more excellent Fifh, than they 
were. Befides, there were infinite Numbers of Mullets, 
Pilchards, and other fmall Fry ; and by making a Fire in 
the Night, they would take vaft Quantities of large Craw- 
fifh. As for Hogs, they found them in that Abundance, 
that, at their firft Hunting, they killed thirty two. And 
there were likewife Multitudes of excellent Birds, in their Sea- 
fons ; and the greateft Facility, to make their Cabbins with 
Palmeta Leaves. This caufed them to live in fuch Plenty, 
Eafe, and Comfort, that many forgot all other Places, and 
never defired to return from thence. 

In 



Book III. T:hc History ^/^ VIRGINIA. 115 

I N the mean while, the Thoughts of the two Knights '609. 

were bufily employed, how to proceed, in this defperate " v ' 

State of their Affairs. At laft, it was refolved, to declcTJ"^^"""^ 
the Long-boat with the Ship's Hatches, and to fend Mr. Efq^Govei^ 
Raven^ a ftout and able Mariner, with eight more in her, nor. 
to Virginia ; to get Shipping from thence, to fetch them 
away. But {he was never more heard of; and fuch was 
the Malice, Envy, and Ambition of fome, that, notwith- 
ftanding Sir George Somers'% eminent Services, there arofe 
great Differences between the Commanders. So that, as 
if, according to the Obfervation of a Spanifh Author, the 
Air o{ America was infectious, and inclined Mens Minds to 
Wrangling and Contention, they lived afunder, in the 
Height of this their Calamity, rather like mere Strangers, 
than diftreffed Friends. But the feveral Parties, each re- 
folved upon building a Veffel. In the mean while, two 
Children were born. The Boy was called Bermudas^ and 1610. 
the Girl Bermuda; and in the Midft of all their Sorrows, 
they had a merry Englijh Wedding. But the two Cedar 
Ships being, at length, finiflied, and rigged with what they 
faved from the Sea-Venture^ they calked them, and paid 
the Seams with Lime and Turtle's Oyl, inftead of Pitch 
and Tar; which quickly became dry, and as hard as a 
Stone. Sir George Somers had no Iron in his Bark, except 
one Bolt in the Keel. And now, their Provifions being 
laid in, and all Things in Readinefs, after about Nine 
Months Abode there, they fet Sail, on the lOth of May^ 
1 6 10. They left behind them two Men, Chrijiopher Car- 
ter and Ediuard Waters ; who, for their Offences, fled 
into the Woods, and defired, rather there to end their 
Days, than to fl:and to the Event of Juftice. For one of 
their Accomplices had been (hot to Death, and Waters was 
actually tied to a Tree to be executed ; but he had, by 
Chance, a Knife about him, with which he fecretly cut 
the Rope, and ran into the Woods. There alfo came from 
England with them two Indians^ named Namontack and 
Machumps. But, upon fome Difference, Machumps flew 
Namontack ; and having made a Hole to bury him, becaufe 
it was too fliort, he cut off his Legs, and laid them by him. 
Neither was the Murder ever difcovered, before he got to 
Virginia. 

Whilst thefe Things were pafling in Bermudas.^ the 
Colony in Virginia was reduced to the utmoft Mifery and 
Diftreis. Captain Percy^ their Governor, was fo fick and 
weak the whole Time, that he could neither go nor ftand. 
Wherefore he could not keep up his Authority with fuch a 
feditious Crew, nor a£l: with that Vigor and Indufl:ry, as 
I 2 might 



ii6 "The History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1610. might juftly have been expe6led from him. Captain Mar- 

'~^- — ■.- 'tin from Nanfamond^ and Captain IVeJi from the Falls, 

The Hon. having loft their Boats, and near half their Men, were re- 
gj-^.'^^Qgyg^;:^ turned to "James-Toivn. For the Indians no fooner under- 
nor.' flood, that Smith was gone, but they revolted, and fpoiled 

and murdered all, they met. And now they had twenty 
Prefidents, with all their Appurtenances of Parafites and 
Profufion. They laviflily fpent the Provifions, fent from 
England in the laft Ships ; which, however, were fo bad, 
and fo infufficient in Proportion, that the poor famifliing 
People, in the Bitternefs of their Heart, poured forth, the 
whole Time, the mofi: dreadful Curfes and Execrations a- 
gainft Sir Thomas Smithy the Treafurer. And they were 
therefore foon obliged, to depend wholly, on what Captain 
Smith left ; which he had provided, only to ferve his own 
Company for fome Time, with Intention, afterwards to 
lay in a much larger Stock. But before thefe Provifions 
were quite confumed. Captain We/i and Captain RatcUffe^ 
each with a fmall Ship, and thirty or forty Men well ap- 
pointed, went abroad to trade. RatcUffe^ upon Confidence 
of Poivhatan's fair Profeflions, was {lain, with thirty others, 
as carelefs as himfelf. Only one Man of the Company 
efcaped ; and Pocahontas faved a Boy, one Henry Spilman^ 
who lived for many Years, by her Means, among the Pa- 
towmacks. But Powhatan^ ftill as he found Opportunity, 
cut off their Beats, and denied them Trade; fo that Cap- 
tain Weji failed off in his Ship to England. 

And now, they were all deeply fenfible of the Lofs of 
Captain Smith. Even his bittereft Enemies, and greateft 
Maligners, would curfe their Deftiny for his Departure. 
Inftead of Corn and Contribution from the Indians^ which 
his Induftry and Authority ffill wrefted from them, they 
had nothing but Scoffs and mortal Wounds. And as for 
their Hogs, Sheep, Goats, Hens, and other Animals, their 
riotous Commanders, and the Indians., daily confumed and 
deftroyed them. So that they traded away their Swords, 
Firelocks, and any thing elfe, they had, with the Indians; 
who were thereby enabled, the more eafily, often to em- 
brue their cruel Hands in their Blood. Thofe, who had 
Startch, made no little Ufe of it, in this Extremity ; and 
the very Skins of their Horfes were prepared, by ftewing 
and hafliing, into dainty and welcome Food. Nay, fo great 
was the Famine, that the poorer Sort took up an hidian., 
that had been flain and buried, and eat him ; and fo did fe- 
veral others, one another, that died, boiled and flewed 
with Roots and Herbs. And one, among the reft, killed 
his Wife, powdered her up, and had eaten Part of her, 

before 



Book III. The History of VIRGINIA. 117 

before it was difcovered ; for which he was, afterwards, de- 1610. 
fervedly executed. In fhort, fo extremewas the Famine and "^ y -^ 
Diftrefs of this Time, that it was, for many Years after, '^'^^^^°"- 
diflinguifhed and remembered, by the Name of the '^'^ ^'^- YSo^Gowex- 
viNG Time. And by thefe means, of near five hundred nor. 
Perfons, left by Captain Smith at his Departure, within 
fix Months, there remained not above fixty. Men, Wo- 
men, and Children ; and thofe moft poor and miferable 
Creatures, preferved, for the moft part, by Roots, Herbs, 
Acorns, Walnuts, Berries, and now and then a little Fifh. 
Neither was it poiTible for them, to have held out ten Days 
longer, without being all utterly extincSt and famiftied with 
Hunger. 

I N this calamitous State, did Sir Thomas Gates and Sir sir Thomas 
George Somers find the Colony, at their Arrival, on the <?^'"> Go- 
24th of May. Thefe two noble Knights, being utter ^""°'^- 
Strangers to their Afi^airs, could underftand nothing of the 
Caufe and Reafon of thefe Miferies, but by Conje6ture from 
their Clamours and Complaints, either accufing, or excu- 
fing one another. They therefore embarked them all, in 
the beft manner, they could, and fet Sail for England. At 
their Departure, many were importunate to burn the Houfes 
and Fort at Jatnes-Town. But God, who did not intend, 
that this excellent Country fliould be fo abandoned, put it 
into the Heart of Sir Thomas Gates., to fave the Town and 
Fortifications. For having fallen down to Hog-IJJarid^ and 
thence to Mulberry- Point., they defcried the Long-boat of 
the Lord Delawarr ; who, being then Captain-General of 
Virginia., a Title ever after given to our Governors in chief, 
came up with three Ships, exceedingly well furniflied with 
all Neceflaries, and returned them back to 'James-Town. 

His Lordfhip arrived the 9th of June., accompanied with LordZW^- 
Sir Ferdinando Waynman., General of the Horfe, (who foon '^^^^^^ 
after died here) Captain Holcroft., and divers other Gentle- 
men of Figure. The loth he came up with his Fleet, 
went afhore, heard a Sermon, read his Commiffion, and 
entered into Confultation about the Affairs of the Colony. 
Then he made a fhort Speech to the Company, juftly 
blaming them for their Pride, Vanity, and Sloth, and earn- 
eftly entreating them to amend their Ways, left he ftiould 
be compelled to draw the Sword of Juftice, and cut off fuch 
Delinquents ; which, he profeffed, he had much rather 
draw, to the fliedding his own vital Blood, in their Caufe 
and Defence. He alfo conftituted proper Officers of all 
Kinds, and allotted every Man his particular Place and Bu- 
finefs. This Oration was received with a general Applaufe ; 
and you might foon fee the idle and refty Humours of a di- 
vided Multitude, by the Splendor, Unity, and Authority of 
I 3 this 



ii8 "The History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1610. this Government, fubftantially healed. Captain Martin 

' r 'was removed from the Council, for his weak, cruel, and 

Lord Dcla- diforderly Behaviour ; and thofe, who knew not the Path 
•warr, o- ^^ Qoodncfs bcfore, would now chalk it out to their Fel- 
lows, endeavouring to outflrrip each other in Diligence and 
Induftry. The French prepared to plant the Vines ; the 
Engli/h laboured in the Woods and Grounds ; and every 
Man knew his particular Bufinefs and Vocation, which he 
followed with Alacrity and Pleafure. 

But altho' his Lordfliip's Stores were very plentiful for 
his own Company, yet were they far from being enough to 
fuffice the whole Colony. For it was computed, that all 
the Provifion, landed from England^ the whole firft three 
Years, was not fufficient to have ferved the People, ac- 
cording to their Numbers, fix Months. Underftanding 
therefore, what Plenty there was of Hogs and other good 
Provifions in Bermudas^ he determined to fend thither for a 
fufficient Supply. Whereupon Sir George Somers^ who, by 
his Diligence in ranging thofe Iflands, was beft acquainted 
with the Place, and whofe generous Mind ever regarded the 
publick Good, more than his own private Ends, altho' of 
above threefcore Years of Age, and of a Fortune in En- 
gland fuitable to his Rank and Qiiality, yet offered his Ser- 
vice to perform this dangerous Voyage to thofe rocky and 
unfortunate Iflands; and he promifed with God's Affiftance, 
foon to return, with fix Months Provifion of Flefli. On 
the 19th of yune^ he embarked, in his own Cedar Veffel, 
of thirty Tons ; and Captain Samuel Argall was alfo fent 
with him, in another fmall Bark. But Captain Argall was 
foon forced back, by Strefs of Weather ; and was fent, by 
the Lord Governor, to Patowmack River, to trade for Corn. 
He there found the Englijh Boy, Henry Spilman^ preferved 
by Pocahontas and thofe Indians^ from the Fury of Powha- 
tan. He was a young Gentleman, well defcended ; and, 
by his Acquaintance and Help, Captain Argall received fuch 
good Ufage from that kind People, that his Veffel was foon 
freighted with Corn, with which he returned to James- 
Town. But Sir George Somers ftruggled long with foul 
Weather and contrary Winds ; and was at laft forced to the 
Northern Parts of the Continent, where he refrefhed him- 
felf and his Men on the unknown Coaft. But departing 
thence again, he at length arrived fafe at Bermudas. Ufing 
too much Diligence and Pains in difpatching his Bufinefs, 
and the Strength of his Body not anfwering the ever memo- 
rable Vigor of his Mind, having lived long in honourable 
Employments, much beloved, and highly efteemed, thro' 
his whole Life, Nature at laft could no longer fupport the 

Burthen, 



Book III. "The History ^/VIRGINIA. 119 

Burthen, but lunk under his too great Labour and Fatigue. 1610. 
Finding his Time but fliort, after having made a proper 
Difpofition of his Eftate, he called them together, and like 



Lord De 



ivarr. 



a valiant Captain and w^orthy Patriot, exhorted them to be vernor. 
true and conftant to thofe Plantations, and with all Expedi- 
tion and Diligence, to return to Virginia. 

Thus died this virtuous and honourable Knight, in the 
very Place, where they afterwards built a Town, from him 
called St. Georges ; and the Iflands themfelves have ever 
fince borne the Name of the Sorrier- IJlands., in Honour to 
his Memory. But Captain Matthew Sorners., his Nephew, 
and all his Men, were in fuch Grief and Confternation at 
his Death, and were fo heedlefs and unconcerned for the 
Colony, that they utterly negle6led his dying Inftrudions, 
to return to Virginia. For having buried his Heart and En- 
trails, and erected a Crofs over the Place ; they embalmed 
his Body, and fet Sail with it, in his Cedar Ship, for En- 
gland. Arriving fafe at Whitchurch in Dorfetjhire., he was 
there honourably enterred, with many VoUies of Shot, and 
the Rites of a Soldier. But the Crofs was accidentally 
found, nine Years after, in a Bye-place, overgrown with 
Bufhes, by Captain Nathaniel Butler.^ then Governor of 
thofe Iflands. Refolving to have a better Memorial of fo 
worthy a Soldier, and finding a large Marble Stone, brought 
from England.^ he caufed it to be handfomely wrought by 
Mafons, and laid over the Place ; engraving an Epitaph, 
agreeable to the Tafte and Manner of the Times, and en- 
vironing the whole with a fquare Wall of hewn Stone. 
But I underftand, that this Monument is now utterly ob- 
literated, and the Place quite forgot and unknown in that 
Country. 

Upon this Occafion, there alfo happened a very hu- 
mourous Circumftance. Carter and Waters had been left 
here, when the reft went to Virginia.^ as hath been faid. 
And now, by Carter's Perfuafions, Waters was ftill ftaid, 
and one Edward Chard ]o'me A himfelf to them. This Vef- 
fel once out of Sight, thefe three Lords and fole Inhabi- 
tants of all thofe Iflands, began to ere6l their little Com- 
monwealth, with equal Power and brotherly Regency, 
building a Houfe, preparing the Ground, planting their 
Corn, and fuch Seeds and Fruits, as they had, and pro- 
viding other Neceflaries and Conveniences. Then making 
Search among the Crevices and Corners of thofe craggy 
Rocks, what the Ocean, from the World's Creation, had 
thrown up among them, befides divers fmaller Pieces, they 
happened upon the largeft Block of Ambergreafe, that had 
ever been feen or heard of, in one Lump. It weighed 

four- 



Go- 




ivarr^ Go 
vernor. 



"The History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

fourfcore Pounds ; and is faid, itfelf alone, befides the others, 
to have been then worth nine or ten thouiand Pounds. And 
Lord Z)f/a-now being rich, they grew fo refty and ambitious, that 
thefe three forlorn Men, above three thoufand Miles from 
their native Country, and with little Probability of ever 
feeing it again, fell out for the Superiority and Rule. And 
their Competition and Quarrel grew fo high, that Chard 
and Waters^ being of the greateft Spirit, had appointed to 
decide the Matter in the Field. But Carter wifely flole 
their Arms ; chufing rather, to bear with fuch troublefome 
Rivals, than, by being rid of them, to live alone. So 
doubtful a Good are Riches, and fo prepofterous a Thing 
the Mind of Man ! 

In the mean while, the Lord Delawarr^ in Virginia^ 
built two Forts at Kicquotan ; and called one. Fort Hen- 
ry^ the other. Fort Charles. They flood on a pleafant 
Plain, near a little River, which they named Southampton 
River, in a wholefome Air, having plenty of Springs, and 
commanding a large Circuit of Ground, which contained 
Wood, Paflure, and Marfh, with fit places for Vines, 
Corn, and Gardens. Here it was intended, that thofe, 
who came from England^ fhould be quartered at their firlt 
Landing, that the Wearifomenefs and Naufea of the Sea 
might be refrefhed, in this pleafant Situation, and whole- 
fome Air. Sir Thomas Gates he fent to England ; and Cap- 
tain Percy^ with Mr. Stacy and fifty or threefcore good 
Shot, was difpatched to revenge fome Injuries of the Paf- 
paheys. But thofe Indians flying, they burnt their Houfes, 
and took the Queen and her Children Prifoners, whom not 
long after they flew. So much was the Government alrea- 
dy altered from the Clemency of Smith's Adminiftration, 
who never did, nor would have been permitted, to fhed 
the leaft Drop of Indian Blood, by Way of Punifhment ; 
but was obliged to fupply the Want of fufficient Vigor and 
Power in his Authority, by his own A6livity, Induftry, 
Art, and Circumfpedion. 

Some time after, as my Lord Delaiuarr was at the 
Falls, the Indians afTaulted his Troops, and killed three or 
four of his Men. But his Lordfhip had now been long fick. 
Immediately upon his Arrival, he was feized with an Ague, 
which, being put by for the prefent, foon returned with 
greater Violence than ever ; and he began to be diftempered 
with other grievous SicknefTes. He was firfl afTailed by the 
Flux, then by the Cramp, and after that by the Gout ; 
all which reduced him to fo weak and low a State, that, 
being unable to ftir, it brought upon him the Scurvy. 
Therefore, by the Advice of his Friends, on the 28th of 

March^ 



Book III. "The History of VIRGINIA. 121 

March^ he (hipped himfelf, with Dr. Bohun and Captain 161 1. 

Argall^ for Mevis^ in the IVeft-Indies^ an Ifland, at that ' ^^ ' 

time, famous for wholefome Baths. At his Departure, he'^^^ ^""• 
committed the Colony to the Charge of Captain Fercy^ 'till Efq7'Govlr"^ 
the Arrival of Sir Thomas Dale. And he left behind about nor! 
two hundred Perfons, moft of them in good Health, and 
well provided with Vi6tuals, and the Natives, to all out- 
ward Appearance, tractable and friendly. But being crolled 
by Southerly Winds, they were obliged to (hape their Courfe 
to the IFe/iern-I/Iands ; where his Lordfhip met with much 
Relief from Oranges and Lemons, a fovereign Remedy for 
that Diforder. However he was advifed, not to hazard 
himfelf back to Virginia yet, but to return to England^ for 
the perfe6f Recovery of his Health. 

The Council in England were, all this while, ftill ea- 
ger after fome immediate Profit. Therefore, finding the 
Smalnefs of the Return by thofe Ships, which had carried 
the laft Supply, they entered into ferious Confultation, whe- 
ther it were better, to come into a new Contribution, or in 
time to abandon the Country, and give over the Enterprife. 
Wherefore, upon the Arrival of Sir Thomas Gates., they 
adjured him to deal plainly with them ; and he, with a 
folemn and facred Oath, gave them a full Account of the 
State and ProfpecSl of Things. And he told them, that all 
Men knew, they lay at the Mercy of politic Princes and 
States ; who, for their own proper Utility, devifed all Me- 
thods to grind their Merchants, and, on any Pretence, to 
confifcate their Goods, and draw from them all Manner of 
Gain ; whereas Virginia., in a few Years, might furnifli 
all their Wants, with Honour and Security. But, by this 
time, fome of the Adventurers were become fufpicious of 
the Treafurer's Fairnefs in the Carriage and Management 
of the Bufinefs. To which the Lord Delawarrs, Return 
added a farther Damp and Difcouragement, and bred fuch 
a Coldnefs and Irrefolution in many of them, that they en- 
deavoured to withdraw their Payments. Being fued, fome 
pleaded in Chancery, upon their Oaths, that the Monies 
were not converted to the Ufe intended, but to private 
Mens Gains ; and that no Accounts were kept, or at leaft 
legally audited and examined. But this was overruled, and 
no ways regarded or believed ; and Sir Thomas Smith's In- 
tegrity was then thought fo unqueffionable, that they were 
obliged to pay their Sums fubfcribed. The Lord Delawarr 
alfo, being much pleafed with the Country, and cordial in 
the Affair, made a publick Oration in the Council; which 
he afterwards publifhed, to allay their Difcontents, and give 
Satisfa6tion to all. And his Lordfhip protefled himfelf wil- 
1^ ling, 



122 the History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1611. ling, to venture his whole Fortune upon the Succefs of the 

' , Enterprife ; and rather than fo honourable an A6lion fhould 

Sir Tbomas^^A j-q return immediately in Perfon, if they would but 

Dale, Go-^ ' J , . 17 , ^ ^ 

vernor lecond his Endcavours. 

But before the Arrival of Lord Delawarr in England^ 
the Council and Company had difpatched away Sir Thomas 
Dale^ High Marflial of Virginia^ with three Ships, Men, 
and Cattle, and with all other Provifions, thought necelTary 
for a Year; which arrived fafe, the lOth oi May^ 161 1. 
Sir Thomas found the People again falling into their former 
Eftate of Penury and Want. For they were fo improvi- 
dent, as not to put Corn into the Ground, but trufted 
wholly to the Store, then furnifhed with only three Months 
Provifions. His firft Care, therefore, was to employ all 
Hands in planting Corn at the two Forts at Kicquotan ; and 
the Seafon being then not fully paft, they had an indifferent 
Crop of good Corn. And having taken Order for this Bu- 
finefs, and committed the Care of it to his Under-Officers, 
he hafled back to James-Toiun ; where he found moft of the 
Company, at their daily and ufual Work, bowling in the 
Streets. But he foon employed them about things more 
neceflary ; as felling Timber, and repairing their Houfes, 
ready to fall on their Heads. He likewife fet many to pro- 
viding Pales, Pofts, and Rails, to empale the new Town, 
he purpofed to build ; but being yet unacquainted with the 
Country, he had not refolved, where to feat it. He there- 
fore fpent fome time, with an hundred Men, in viewing 
the River of Nanfamond^ in Defpight of the Indians^ at that 
time their Enemies. And then he examined James River, 
up to the Falls ; and at length pitched upon a Place for his 
new Town, on the Narrow of Farrar\ Ifland, in Varina 
Neck, upon a high Land, nearly invironed by the main 
River. 

B u T he found it no eafy Matter, to reduce his turbulent 
and feditious People to good Order. About this time. Sir 
Thomas Smith fent over a printed Book of Articles and Laws, 
chiefly tranflated from the martial Laws of the Low Coun- 
tries. Thefe were very bloody and fevere, and no ways 
agreeable to a free People and the Britijh Conftitution ; 
neither had they any San6lion or Authority from the Coun- 
cil and Company in England. However, Sir Thomas Dale., 
being fadly troubled and peftered with the mutinous Hu- 
mours of the People, caufed them to be publifhed, and 
put into Execution with the utmoft Rigor. And altho' the 
Manner was harfli and unufual to EngUjhman., yet had not 
thefe military Laws been fo ftri^tly executed at this time, 
there were little Hopes or Probability of preventing the ut- 
ter 



Book III. "The History of VIRGINIA. 123 

ter Subverfion of the Colony. For, this Summer, one 1611. 
Webb and one Price entered into a Plot againft the Go-"^-— v— ^ 
vernment ; which was, foon after, followed by a more d^"" ^^/J'" q^' 
gerous Confpiracy of Jeffrey Abbot. This Abbot had ferved ^^^^l^_ 
long as a Soldier, both in Ireland and the Netherlands^ and 
was here Serjeant of Captain Smith's Company ; who de- 
clares, that he never knew in Firginia^ a more able Soldier, 
lefs turbulent, of a better Wit, more hardy and induftri- 
ous, or more forward to cut off thofe, who endeavoured to 
abandon the Country, or wrong the Colony. But from 
what Caufe foever his Difcontents arofe, whether he refent- 
ed his being neglecSled and unrewarded, and having others 
put over his Head and preferred before him, or whether 
there was any other Reafon of his Diflatisfa6lion, it is cer- 
tain, that this Man, who never received any Reward for 
his long Services and Deferts, now met with an immediate 
Punifliment for this fudden and paflionate Deviation from 
his Duty. One Cole alfo, and Kitchens^ with three more, 
plotted to run away to the Spaniards^ whom they fuppofed, 
from fome wrong Information, to be inhabiting, fome 
where within five Days Journey of the Fort. And thefe 
Commotions juftified Sir Thomas Dale's neceflary Severities, 
which might otherwife have been branded, as many were 
then ready to do, with being too cruel and tyrannical. 
But however falutary fuch fliarp and fummary Proceedings 
might be at that time, as I find them owned to have been, 
and commended by all Parties ; and however Sir Thomas 
Dale might fafely be trufted with fo great a Power, a Man 
of much Honour, Wifdom, and Experience ; yet it is cer- 
tain, that thefe Articles were utterly dellrucSlive of the En- 
glifl) Freedom and Laws, and gave the Governor fuch a 
commanding and defpotick Authority, as is, by no means, 
to be lodged in any Hand, in a Country, that has the leaft 
Thoughts or Pretenfions to Liberty. 

In the Beginning of Auguji^ Sir Thomas Gates arrived sir Thomas 
in fix tall Ships, with three hundred Men, an hundred Cat- Gam Go- 
tie, two hundred Hogs, and with all Manner of other Mu-^^*^"""^' 
nition and Provifion, that could be thought of, as needful 
and proper. At his Arrival, Sir Thomas Dale's Authority 
determined, who, after mutual Salutations, acquainted him 
with what he had done, and what he intended. And now, 
being eafed of the Burthen of Government, and more at 
Leifure, he fet himfelf heartily about building his Town ; 
and Sir Thomas Gates^ highly approving the Defign, fur- 
nifhed him with three hundred and fifty Men, fuch as he 
himfelf made Choice of. He fet Sail from James-Town^ 
the Beginning of September ; and being arrived at the Place, 

he 



Gates, Go 
vernor. 



124 rhe History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

i6ii. he environed it with a Palifade, and in Honour of Prince 

— ^^ ■ Henry^ called it Henrico. And then he built a Church, 

and Storehoufes ; and at each Corner of the Town, high 
commanding Watch Towers. This being accomplifhed, 
he next provided proper and convenient Houfes for himfelf 
and Men, which were finifhed with all poflible Speed, to 
the great Comfort and Satisfa(5tion of his Company and the 
whole Colony, 

The Ruins of this Town are ftill plainly to be traced 
and diflinguifhed, upon the Land of the late Col. William 
Randolph^ of Tuckahoe^ juft without the Entrance into Far- 
rar's Ifland. It lay from River to River, upon a Plain of 
high Land, with very fteep and inaccellible Banks, and the 
Neck without, being well empaled, gave it all the Security 
and Conveniency of an Ifland. It had three Streets of well- 
framed Houfes, a handfome Church, and the Foundation 
of another laid, to be built of Brick, befides Store-houfes, 
Watch-houfes, and other publick Conveniences. Upon the 
Verge of the River Bank, ftood five Houfes, inhabited by 
the better Sort of People, who kept continual Sentinel for 
the Town's Security. About two Miles from the Town, 
into the Main, he run another Palifade, from River to Ri- 
ver, near two Miles in Length, guarded with feveral Forts, 
with a large Quantity of Corn-ground empaled and fuffi- 
ciently fecured. Befides thefe Precautions, there may flill 
be feen, upon the River Bank within the Ifland, the Ruins 
of a great Ditch, now over-grown with large and {lately 
Trees ; which, it may be fuppofed, was defended with a 
Palifade, to prevent a Surprife on that Side, by crofling the 
River. And for a ftill further Security to the Town, he 
intended, but never quite finifhed, a Palifade on the South 
Side of the River, as a Range for their Hogs 5 and he called 
it Hope in Faith and Coxendale. It was about two Miles 
and an half long, and was fecured by five of their Manner 
of Forts, called Charity Fort, Elifabeth Fort., Fort Patience., 
and Mount Malady., with a Gueil Houfe for fick People, 
upon a high and dry Situation, and in a wholefome Air, in 
the Place, where 'Jeff'erfon^% Church now ftands. On the 
fame Side of the River alfo, Mr. JVhitaker., their Preacher, 
chofe to be feated ; and he empaled a fair Parfonage, with 
an hundred Acres of Land, calling it Rock-hall. 

About Chri/lmas., Sir Thomas Dale., to revenge fome 
Injuries of the Appamattock Indians., aflaulted and took their 
Town, without the Lofs of a A4an. This Town ftood at 
the Mouth of the River, and was accounted but five Miles, 
by Land, from Henrico. And Sir Tho?nas., confidering how 
convenient it would be to the EngUp:)., refolved to poflefs 

and 



Book. III. TZv History of VIRGINIA. 125 

and feat it, and, at the Inftant, called it New Bermudas. 1611. 

And he annexed, to the belonging Freedom and Corpora- ' « ' 

tion for ever, many Miles of champion and wood-land ^'' ^^"^"^^ 
Ground, in feveral Hundreds, by the Names of the Upper vJInor. 
and Nether Hundreds^ Rochdale ( now called Rockfdale ) 
Hundred^ Shirley Hundred., and Digges's Hundred. At 
Bermudas., where was the moft Corn-ground, he firft be- 
gan to plant ; and with a Pale of two Miles, acrofs from 
River to River, he enclofed and fecured eight EngliJJ] Miles 
in Compafs. Upon this Circuit, there were foon built ma- 
ny fair Houfes, to near the Number of fifty. Rockfdale 
was alfo enclofed with a crofs Palifade, near four Miles in 
Length ; and there were many Houfes, planted along the 
Pale, within which their Hogs and Cattle had twenty Miles 
Circuit to graze in fecurely. 

I T will not be thought, I believe, foreign to the Hiftory 
of rirginia^ occafionally to interfperfe fome Account of 
the Fortunes of Sir Walter Ralegh., our Founder, and the 
firft Author, to the E^igUf., of fettling Colonies in America. 
Juft before the Death of Queen EUfabeth., he received a 
Challenge, upon fome Quarrel, from Sir Am'ias Pre/ion., 
one of Effex\ Followers, and a Man of the Sword ; which 
however was made up, by the Mediation of a certain great 
Nobleman, before it came to the laft Decifion. But on this 
Occafion, Sir Walter., like a prudent and affectionate Fa- 
ther of a Family, had conveyed all his landed Eftate, which 
confifted of about three thoufand Pounds a Year, to his 
Wife and Son. This was fortunately a Bar to his Lands 
falling abfolutely to the Crown, upon his Attainder. They 
were only forfeited for his own Life ; and the King, upon 
fome powerful Interceflion, reftored them to him again. So 
that he lived, under his Confinement, with much Elegan- 
cy, Neatnefs, and Affluence. For he was naturally a great 
Lover of Propriety ; and had been, in the Time of his 
Profperity, both in his Drefs and Equipage, one of the moft 
fumptuous and polite Perfons of the Age. And now, being 
cut off" from all the acSlive Parts of Life, he indulged and 
gave a Loofe to his noble Genius, and natural Thirft of 
Knowledge ; and feemed (to ufe Prince Henry\ Allufion) 
a finging Bird in a Cage ; rather a Philofopher, than a Cap- 
tive ; a Student in a Library, than a Prifoner in the Tower. 
The Reftraint of his Body was fo far from damping and 
confining his native Greatnefs of Mind and Sublimity of 
Parts, that it only opened a new Field of Glory to him, 
and rendered him as illuftrious, in this ftill and fedentary 
Scene of Life, as he had before been, in his moft adive and 
profperous Days. But at laft, the Lawyers pretended to 

find 



126 rhe History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1611. find fome Flaw in the Conveyance of his Lands ; and an In- 
' Y ' formation was exhibited againft him, in the Court of Ex- 
Sir Thomas chequer. His chief Judge, we are told, was his greateft 
verno'r Enemy ; which, I fuppofe, was Sir Edward Coke^ then 
Lord Chief Juftice. For that famous Lawyer, notwith- 
ftanding his vaft Abilities and Knowledge in the Common 
Law, will be branded to all Futurity, for bawling and rail- 
ing Sir Walter Ralegh out of his Life at his Trial. And 
W'llfon^ a contemporary Hiflorian, tells us, that it was po- 
pularly objected to him, as a Judge ; That he made the 
Law lean too much to his own Opinion, thereby becoming 
a legal Tyrant, and ftriking, whom he pleafed, with that 
Weapon, whofe Edge he was able to turn any Way. 
When the Caufe came to Trial, it was determined againft 
Sir Walter Ralegh^ only for the Want of one fingle Word 
in his Anfwer, fetting forth that Conveyance ; which was 
neverthelefs an Overfight of the Clerk, and the Word was 
in the original Inftrument. And thus was he moft iniqui- 
toufly deprived of his Lands ; and upon Lady Ralegh's, paf- 
fionate Application to the King, fhe could obtain no other 
Anfwer from him, but / 77iun have the Land^ I mun have 
it for Car. It was accordingly conferred upon that Favou- 
rite, juft then in his Rife ; and Sir Walter wrote him a 
Letter upon the Occafion, which may be feen in his Life, 
by Mr. Oldys ; and which may be placed, perhaps, among 
the moft beautiful, wife, and pathetic Compofitions, that 
ever has appeared of that Kind. So invariable was this Mo- 
narch in his wrong Judgment of Men and Things, as to 
aggrandize and enrich fo infignificant a Tool, and one fo 
infamoufly wicked, lewd, and infufficient, as Car^ with the 
Spoils of a Perfon, fo truly virtuous, great, and able, as 
Sir Walter Ralegh. As if Fortune had confpired to expofe 
his Weaknefs, and render his Injuftice the more confpicu- 
ous and remarkable, by the Contraft between the Man, he 
oppreffed, and the Man, he advanced. However, as fome 
Retaliation for the Injuftice and Wrong, his Majefty af- 
terwards gave Lady Ralegh and her Son eight Thoufand 
Pounds for the Eftate. 
j5jj. Captain Matthew Somers and his Company, at their 

Return to England with Sir George^ Body, had made very 
advantageous Relations of Bermudas. But thefe were little 
credited at firft, and looked upon, as mere Traveller's 
Tales ; till fome of the Virginia Company apprehended, 
that a Settlement there might be very beneficial and helpful 
to the Plantation in Virginia. But as by their former Let- 
ters-patent, they were only entitled to the Ulands within an 
hundred Miles of their Coaft, and as Bermudas lay much 

beyond 



Book III. TZv History ^/-VIRGINIA. 127 

beyond that Diftance, they procured a new Charter from 1612. 

his Majeftv, bearing Date March 12, 1611-12. This"^"^.^ ' 

granted them all the Iflands in the Ocean Seas, within three ^l"" '^'''"Z"' 
hundred Leagues or the Coalt, between the one and tortietn yernor. 
and thirtieth Degrees of Northerly Latitude. It alfo gave 
them a Power, to fet up Lotteries ; to fue for the Monies 
fubfcribed, requiring the Judges, to favour and further the 
faid Suits, fo far forth, as Law and Equity would, in any 
wife, further and permit ; together with other ample Privi- 
leges and Authorities, as may be more fully feen in the 
Charter at large, printed in the Appendix. But the Vir- 
ginia Company fold thefe Iflands to about an hundred and 
twenty of their own Members, who were ere6led into a 
diftinil Society and Body Corporate, by the Name of the 
Somer-IJJands Company. Sir Thomas Smith was elected 
their Treafurer, or Governor, in England \ and fome time 
this Year 1612, Mr. Richard More was fent Governor of 
the Country, with fixty Men, to make a Settlement and 
Plantation. They found the three Men, before fpoken of, 
lufty and well. They were very comfortably feated, and 
plentifully ftored with divers Sorts of excellent Provifions. 
But under Colour, that they were fitted out, at the Charge, 
and in the Service of the Company, thefe three poor Men 
were profecuted, tormented, and threatned by the Gover- 
nor, in the Company's Name, 'till they were entirely de- 
prived of their great Treafure of Ambergreafe. However 
a great Part was embezzled by Captain Davies and Mr. 
Edivin Kendal^ to whom they committed it, during the 
Squabble and Contention. So that not above a Third came 
into the Hands of the Company ; for which, we are told, 
they afterwards compounded with the Finders, and made 
them a juft and reafonable Satisfaction, 

I N the Beginning of the fame Year, two Ships arrived j 
in Virginia^ with a Supply of Provifions and fourfcore Men. ! 
But thefe Provifions, according to Cuftom, were very fcanty \ 
and infufficient ; and therefore Capt. Argall^ who com- 
manded one of the Ships, having recreated and refrefhed his 
Company, was fent to Patowmack River, to trade for Corn. 
For the Indians about Jatnes-Town were in a ticklifh State, 
and little to be depended upon ; being Friends or Foes, ac- 
cording as they found Advantage and Opportunity. Captain 
Argall foon entered into a great Acquaintance and Friend- 
fliip with "Japaxaius^ K'ng o^ Patoivmack^ an old Friend to 
Captain Smithy and fo to the whole Englijl) Nation, ever 
fince the Hrft Difcovery of the Country. Hard by Patoiu- 
mack^ Pocahontas lav concealed, thinking herfelf fafe, and 
unknown to all but trully Friends. What was the Reafon 

of 



128 rbe History ?/ VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1612. of her abfconding from Weroivocomoco^ cannot eafily be 
^'"'^•'^■^ judged ; except it was to withdraw herfelf from being a 
§^^00' ^'^"^^^ ^° ^^^ frequent Butcheries of the Englijh^ whofe 
vernor. Folly and Raflmefs, after Smith'''!, Departure, put it out of 
her Power to fave them. Captain Argall^ having got In- 
telligence of this, engaged to give yopazaius a Copper Ket- 
tle, to bring her on board his Ship ; promifing not to hurt 
her, but to keep her fafe, 'till they could conclude a Peace 
with her Father. This Savage would have done any thing 
^ for the Copper Kettle ; and therefore, having no Pretence 
on Account of her own Curiofity, becaufe fhe had feen and 
been in many Ships, he made his Wife pretend, how de- 
firous fhe was to fee one, fo that he offered to beat her for 
her Importunity, 'till flie wept. But at laft he told her, if 
Pocahontas would go with her, he was content. And 
thus, taking Advantage of her Good-nature and obliging 
Temper, they betrayed this innocent Creature aboard ; 
where they were all kindly received and entertained in the 
Cabbin. The Captain, when he faw his Time, decoy'd 
Pocahontas into the Gun Room ; only to conceal from her, 
that yapa%aws was any way guilty of her Captivity. When 
he had received his Reward, the Captain fent for her again ; 
and told her, flie muff go with him, and be the Means and 
^ Inftrument of Peace, between her Country and the Englijh. 
At this, the old Traitor and his Wife began to howl and 
cry, as much as Pocahontas \ who, by the Captain's fair 
Promifes and Perfuafions, pacified herfelf, by degrees. And 
fo yapazaws and his Wife, with their Kettle and other 
Baubles, went joyfully afhore, and fhe to yames-Town \ 
where, altho' a frequent Vifitant before, and often a kind 
Support and Preferver of the Colony, fhe had never been 
'till now, fince Captain Smith left the Country. 

A Meffenger was immediately difpatched to her Father ; 
that he muff ranfom his Daughter Pocahontas^ whom he 
loved fo dearly, with the Men, Guns, and Tools of the 
EngliJJ}^ which he had treacheroufly ftolen and furprifed. 
This unwelcome News much troubled Poivhatan^ becaufe 
he loved both his Daughter and their Commodities well ; 
and it threw him into fuch Perplexity, that it was three 
Months, before he returned any Anfwer, Then he fent 
back feven of the Englijh^ with each an unferviceable 
Mufket ; and fent Word, that when they ffiould deliver his 
Daughter, he would make full Satisfa6tion for all Injuries, and 
give them five hundred Buffiels of Corn, and would be 
their Friend for ever. But the Englijh anfwered ; That 
his Daughter fliould be well ufed ; but that thev could not 
believe, the reff of their Arms were either loii, or ffolen 

from 



Book III. rZv History of VIRGINIA. 129 

from him ; and that therefore, they would keep his Daugh- 1612. 

ter, till he had fent them all back. But this Anfwer dif-"";^ ' 

pleafed him fo much, that they heard no more from him,^"" T^komai 

\. i ■ c Gates, Go- 

ror a long tmie arter. vemor. 

At lall:, in the Beginning of the next Year, Sir Thomas 1613. 
Dale took Pocahontas with him, and went in Captain Jr- 
gall's Ship, with fome other Vellels belonging to the Colo- 
ny, up into his own River, to his chief Habitation at IF'e- 
rowocomoco^ with a Partv of an hundred and fifty Men, 
well appointed. Powhatan did not appear ; and although 
the Englifl) told them, their Bufinefs was to deliver up their 
Emperor's Daughter, upon Reltitution of the reft of their 
Men and Arms, yet were they received with many fcorn- 
ful Bravades and Threats. They told them, if they came 
to fight, they were welcome ; but advifed them, as they 
loved their Lives, to retire ; or elfe they would treat them, 
as thev had done Captain RatcHjfe. But after fome fmall 
Skirmiflies, and confiderable Damage done the Indians, 
by burning their Houfes, and fpoiling all, they could find, 
a Peace was patched up. They immediately fent Meflen- 
gers to Powhatan ; and they told the Englijh^ that their 
Men were run off\, for fear they fhould hang them ; but 
that Powhatan''^ Men were run after, to bring them back; 
and that their Swords and Mufkets fhould be brought, the 
next Day. But the EngUjh^ perceiving, that this was all 
Collufion, only to delay the Time, till they could carry off 
their Goods and Provifions, told them, that they fhould 
have a Truce, till the next Day at Noon ; but then, if 
they had not a direct Anfwer to their Demands, or found 
them inclinable to fight, they fhould know, when the En- 
glifh would begin, by the Sound of their Drums and Trum- 
pets. Upon Confidence of this Truce, two of Powhatan^ 
Sons came on board the Ship, to fee their Sifter; on whofe 
Sight, finding her well, although they had heard the con- 
trary, they greatly rejoiced ; and they promifed to perfuade 
their Father, to redeem her, and for ever be Friends with 
the EngUJh. Hereupon Mr. fohn Rolfe and Mr. Sparks 
were fent to Powhatan^ to acquaint him with the Bufinefs. 
They were kindly received and entertained, but not admit- 
ted into the Prefence of the Emperor. They only fpoke 
with Opechancanough^ who promifed to do his utmofl with 
his Brother, to incline him to Peace and Friendfhip, But 
it now being April^ and Time to prepare their Ground, and 
fet their Corn, they returned to Jajnes-Town^ without do- 
ing any thing more in the Affair. 

Long before this, Mr. "John Rolfe^ a worthy young 

Gentleman, and of good Behaviour, had been in Love with 

^^ K Pocahontas^ 



1,30 



-m History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 
613. Pocahontas^ 2ir\^ {he with him. And at this time, he made 

-— , ^the thing known to Sir Thomas Dale^ through Mr. Ralph 

Sir Thomai Hamer^ and wrote him a Letter, entreating his Advice ; 
G^'",Go-^^_^^ file Hkewife acquainted her Brother with it. Sir Tho- 
mas Dale highly approved of it ; and the Report of this 
Marriage foon coming to the Knowledge of Powhatan^ it 
was found a thing acceptable to him, by his fudden Con- 
fent. For within ten Days, he fent Opachifco^ an old 
Uncle of hers, and two of his Sons, to fee the Manner of 
the Marriage, and to do in that Behalf, what they were 
required, for the Confirmation of it, as his Deputies. It 
was therefore folemnifed in the Beginning of Jpril 161 3; 
and ever after, they had friendly Trade and Commerce, as 
well with Poiuhatan himfelf, as with all his Subjects. 

The Chickahominies were a ftout, daring, and free Peo- 
ple. They had no Werowance, or fingle Ruler, but were 
governed, in a Republican Form, by their Elders. Thefe 
were their Priefts, and fome of the wifeft of their old Men, 
as Affiftants to them. In Confequence of thefe Principles 
of Government, they took all Opportunities of fhaking off 
Poiuhatan's Yoke, whom they looked upon and hated, as 
a Tyrant. And therefore, they had taken Advantage of 
thefe late Times of Hoftility and Danger as well to the 
Indians^ as to the Englijh^ to affert their Liberty. But 
now, feeing Powhatan fo clofely linked with the Englijh^ 
both in Affinity and Friendfliip, they were in great Concern 
and Dread, left he fhould bring them again to his Subjec- 
tion. To prevent which, they fent Ambaffadors to Sir 
Thomas Dale ; excufing all former Injuries, and promifing 
ever after to be King James's faithful Subje6ls : That they 
would relinquilh the Name of Chickahominies^ and be called 
TaJJ'auteJJus^ or EngUjhmen^ and that Sir Thomas Dale fhould 
be their Governor, as the King's Deputy. Only they de- 
fired to be governed by their own Laws, under their eight 
Elders, as his Subftitutes. Sir Tho7nas Dale^ hoping for 
fome Advantage from this, willingly accepted their Offer. 
At the Day appointed, with Captain Argall and fifty Men, 
he went to Chickahominy ; where he found the People af- 
affembled, expelling his Coming. They treated him kind- 
ly ; and the next Morning, having held a Council, the 
Peace was concluded on thefe Conditions : 

I. That they fhould for ever be called EngUJhmen^ and 
be true Subjeils to King James and his Deputies : 

II. That they fliould neither kill, nor detain, any of 
the Englijh^ or of their Cattle, but fhould bring them 
home : 

III. That 



Book III. "The History of VIRGINIA. 131 

III. That they fliould be always ready, to furnifh the 1613. 

Englijh with three hundred Men, againlt the Spaniards^ or' . ' 

any other Enemy : ^^ Thomas 

IV. That they fhould not enter any of the EngUfi ^^^nor. 
Towns, before fending in Word, that they were new En- 
glijhmen : 

V. That every fighting Man, at gathering their Corn, 
fhould bring two Bufliels to the Store, as a Tribute ; for 
which he fliould receive as many Hatchets : 

VI. That the eight chief Men fhould fee all this per- 
formed, or receive the Puniftiment themfelves ; and for 
their Diligence, they fhould have a red Coat, a Copper 
Chain, and King yames's Pi6lure, and be accounted his 
Nobleman. 

These Articles were joyfully aflented to and- ratified, 
by a great Shout and Acclamation ; and one of their Elders 
began an Oration, addrefling his Speech, firft to the old 
Men, then to the Young, and then to the Women and 
Children, to make them underfland, how flriftly they were 
to obferve thefe Conditions, and that then the EngliJJ^ would 
defend them from the Fury of Powhatan, or any other E- 
nemy whatfoever. And thus was their Liberty once more 
fecured ; which indeed had its ufual good Effe6ls, even a- 
mong thefe wild and favage Nations. For altho' Chickaho- 
miny is far from being famous for good Land, yet we are 
told, that they had the largeft Fields, and mofl plentiful 
Crops of Corn, and the greatefl Abundance of all other 
Provifions and Necefl'aries, of any People then in the Coun- 
try. Such a happy Influence had Liberty, and fuch vifible 
Incitement did firm Property give to the Induftry of even 
that lazy and improvident People. 

And now the Englijh began to find the Miflake of for- , 
bidding and preventing private Property. For whilfl they I 
all laboured jointly together, and were fed out of the com- ! 
mon Store, happy was he, that could flip from his Labour, 
or flubber over his Work in any Manner. Neither had 
they any Concern about the Increafe ; prefuming, however 
the Crop profpered, that the publick Store muft ftill main- 
tain them. Even the mofl honefl and induftrious would 
fcarcely take fo much true Pains in a Week, as they 
would have done for themfelves in a Day. The five Years 
alfo, prefcribed in his Majefly's Inflruilions under the Privy 
Seal, for trading all together in common Stocks, and bring- 
ing the whole Fruit of their Labours into common Store- 
houfes, were now expired. Therefore, to prevent this In- 
conveniency and bad Confequence, Sir Thomas Dale allotted 
K 2 each 




rhe History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

each Man three Acres of cleared Ground, in the Nature 
of Farms. They were to work eleven Months for the 
Sir Thomas Store, and had two Bufhels of Corn from thence ; and only 
vemor " ^^^ °"^ Month allowed them, to make the reft of their 
Provifions. This was certainly very hard and pinching ; 
but his new and favourite Settlement at Bermudas Hundred 
had better Conditions. For one Month's Labour, which 
muft neither be in Seed-time nor Harveft, they were ex- 
empted from all further Service ; and for this Exemption 
they only paid two Barrels and a half of Corn, as a Yearly 
Tribute to the Store. However, the Profpe<5t of thefe Far- 
mers Labours gave the Colony much Content ; and they 
were no longer in Fear of wanting, either for themfelves, 
or to entertain their new Supplies. 

Sir Thomas Dale had been very a6five and induftrious 
in ranging about and viewing the Country, and was vaftly 
delighted with its Pleafantnefs and Fertility. Being there- 
fore much vexed and concerned, to find the Poireflion of 
fo noble a Territory fet fo light by at home, as even fome- 
times to be debated, whether it fliould be farther profecu- 
ted, or entirely abandoned, he wrote a Letter to Sir Tho- 
mas S?nith^ the Treafurer ; wherein he allures them all, 
and prays them to remember it, that if they fhould give 
over the Enterprife, and lofe the Country, they would, in 
their great Wifdom, commit an Error of fuch Prejudice 
and Damage to England^ as had never happened to it, fince 
the Lofs of the Kingdom of France. He defires them not 
to be gulled and deceived, by the clamorous Reports of 
bafe People, but to believe Caleb and Jojlma, And if the 
Glory of God, and the Converfion of thofe poor Infidels, 
had no Influence on the rich Mammons of the Earth ; yet 
he advifes them to follow the Dictates of their own Avarice, 
and only to confult their proper Intereft and Advantage. 
For he protefts on the Faith of an honeft Man, that the 
more he ranged and faw of the Country, the more he ad- 
mired it ; and that having feen the beft Parts of Europe^ 
yet he declares, with a folemn Afleveration, that put them 
all together, he thought, this Country would be equivalent 
to them, if it were once well cultivated, and feated with 
good and induftrious People. 
1614. Early in the next Year, Sir Thomas Gates returned to 

V ^ ■> England^ and left the Government again to Sir Thotnas 

Sir Thomas Dale. Underftanding, that there was a Colony of French^ 
Dale, Go- in the Northern Part of Virginia., about the Latitude of 
vernor. ^^^ ^^ ^^^^ Captain Argall thither, to Port Royal and St. 
Croix., two Towns, lying on each Side of the Bay of Fun- 
di., in Acadia. Finding the French difperfed abroad in the 

Woods, 



Book III. The History of VIRGINIA. 133 

Woods, he furprifed their Ship and Bark, lately arrived 1614. 
from France. In them was much good Apparel, with other ^'^~>''^~^ 
Furniture and Provifion, which he brought to fames-Town ■,^"^'-'°"^''^ 
but the Men efcaped, and lived among the Indians of thofe pernor. 
Countries. The Pretence for this Depredation on the 
French^ was founded on their Right of firft Difcovery ; 
and therefore the EngliJJ?^ in Imitation of the Spaniards., 
laid Claim to the whole Continent, altho' they really pof- 
fefled, and had feated fo fmall a Part of it. But it is cer- 
tain, that we were, at that time, in profound Peace, not 
only with France^ but the whole World. In his Return, 
Captain Jrgali likewife vifited the Dutch Settlement, on 
Hnd/hns River ; and he alledged, that Captain Hudfon., the 
firft Difcoverer, under whole Sale they claimed that Coun- 
try, being an Englijhman^ and licenfed to difcover thofe 
Northern Parts, by the King of England., could not alienate 
that, which was only a Part of Virginia., from the Englijh 
Crown. He therefore demanded the PofleiHon ; and the 
Dutch Governor, being unable to refift, peaceably fubmit- 
ted both himfelf and his Colony, to the King of England., 
and to the Governor of Virginia under him. Soon after, 
a new Governor arrived from Amjhrdam., better provided. 
Under Colour of their Right of Purchafe, and becaufe the 
Country lay void and unoccupied, and confequently open 
to the hrft PolFeflor, he not only refufed to pay the Tribute 
and Acknowledgment, which had been agreed upon, but 
alfo began to fortify, and put himfelf into a Pofture of De- 
fence. And the Claim of the Englijh., being either wholly 
waved for the prefent, or but faintly purfued, they, this 
fame Year, made a firm Settlement, which foon became 
very flourifhing and populous. But Complaint being made, 
fome Years after, to King Charles I. and by him reprefent- 
ed to the States of Holland., they declared, by a publick 
Inftrument, that they were no ways concerned in it, but 
that it was a private Undertaking of the IVeJi-India Com- 
pany of Amjhrdam ; and fo referred it wholly to his Ma- 
jefty's Pleafure. 

M R . Ralph Hamer., who was afterwards one of our 
Council, and to whofe Relation we are indebted for this 
Part of the Hiftory of Virginia., having refided fome Years 
here, ever fince the great Supply 1609, and being now a- 
bout to return to England., was very defirous to vifit Pow- 
hatan and his Court, and to be able, when he went home, 
to fpeak fomething of his own Knowledge. Sir Thomas 
Dale alfo thought it advifeable, to have fome further Pledge 
of Poivhatan\ Friendfhip, befides Pocahontas. It was there- 
fore refolved, to fend this Gentleman, as his Ambaflador, 
K 3 to 



134 The History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1614- to demand his other Daughter. Wherefore, Mr. Hamer^ 

' V 'taking Thomas Savage for his Interpreter, and two Indians 

Sir Thomas f-Qj- j-jjg Quides, went off in the Morning trom Bermudas^ 
ve'rnor °"(Sir Thomas Dale'?, favourite Seat, and chief Place of Re- 
fidence) and arrived the next Evening at Matchot. This 
was a Seat of the King's, where he then was, a few Miles 
higher up York River, than Weroxvocomoco. Powhatan 
knew the Boy, Thomas Savage^ well, whom Newport had 
prefented to him, in the Year 1607; and he faid to him: 
My Child^ you were my Boy^ and I gave you Leave^ four 
Tears ago^ to go and fee your Friends ; but I have never feen 
nor heard of you, nor my own Man Namontack fince, altho' 
many Ships have gone and returned. Then turning to Mr. 
Hamer, he demanded the Chain of Pearl, which he fent 
to Sir Thomas Dale, when the Peace was concluded ; and 
which was to be a Token between them, whenever Sir 
Thomas fent a Meffenger to him ; otherwife, he was to 
bind him, and fend him back, as a Deferter. It was true, 
there was fuch an Agreement ; and Sir Thomas Dale had 
ordered his Page to deliver the Chain to Mr. Hamer, but 
the Page either negle6led or forgot it. Mr. Hamer there- 
fore replied, that he knew not of any fuch Order ; and if 
there was fuch a Token, it was only intended, when Sir 
Thomas, upon the fudden, fhould fend an Englifh Meffen- 
ger, without an Indian Guide. But if his own People 
Ihould condu6l the Meffenger, which was the Cafe at pre- 
fent, that was a fufficient Teftimony and Credential. With 
this Anfwer Powhdtan was fatisfied, and conducted them to 
his Houfe, where a Guard of two hundred Bowmen atten- 
ded. Firft he offered Mr. Hamer a Pipe of Tobacco, and 
then afked after his' Brother, Sir Thomas Dale'?, Health ; 
and how his Daughter, and unknown Son, lived and liked. 
And being told, that his Brother was well ; and that his 
Daughter was fo delighted with her Condition, that fhe 
would not, upon any Account, return and live again with 
him, he laughed heartily, and feemed much pleafed to hear 
it. 

After that, he demanded of Mr. Hamer his Bufinefs; 
who telling him, that it was private, he inftantly com- 
manded all out of the Houfe, except his two Queens, that 
always fat by him, and then bad him fpeak on. Mr. Ha- 
mer firft prefented him with feveral Toys, fent bv Sir Tho- 
mas Dale ; and then he told him, that his Brother Dale, 
having heard of the Fame of his youngeft Daughter, in- 
tended to marry her to fome worthy Englijh Gentleman, 
which would be highly pleafing and agreeable to her Sifter, 
who was very defirous to fee her, and to have her near 

her; 



Book III. r/v History of VIRGINIA. 135 

her; and that therefore, he defired, as a Teftimony of his 1614. 
Love, that he would fend her to him. For fince they were "^ — .- — ' 
now become one People, and defigned to dwell together in S'"" J^""^"' 

^ 1-11 111 r Date. Go- 

the lame Country, he conceived, there could be no hrmer ^^^^^^r 
Union, nor ftronger Allurance of Love and Friendfliip, 
than fuch a natural Band of Intermarriage and Alliance. 
Powhatan^ who often interrupted him, and betrayed many 
Signs of Uneafinefs, the whole Time, he was fpeaking, 
immediately returned this Anfwer, with much Serioufnefs 
and Gravity, 

/ gladly accept ?ny Brother's Salute of Love and Peace; 
luhich^ wh'ilji I live^ I will pundually and exailly keep. I 
likewlfe receive his Prefents.^ as Pledges thereof xvith no lefs 
Thankfulnefs. But as to my Daughter., I fold her., a few 
Days fince., to a great IVerowance., for two Bufhels of Roanoke. 
Mr. Hamer told him, that the Roanoke was but a Trifle 
to fo great a Prince ; and by returning it, he might recall 
her, and gratify his Brother. And he further allured him, 
befides Ihengthening the rtrift Band of Peace and Friendlliip 
between them, that he fhould have three times the Worth 
of the Roanoke for her, in Beads, Copper, and other Com- 
modities. This extorted the Truth from him ; and he in- 
genuoufly confelTed, that the Reafon of his Refufal, was 
the Love, he bore his Daughter. Altho' he had many 
Children, yet he delighted in none, he faid, fo much as 
her ; and he could not poflibly live without often feeing her ; 
which he could not do, if fhe lived among the Englifh. 
For he had determined, upon no Terms, to put himfelf in- 
to their Hands, or come among them. He therefore de- 
fired him, to urge him no farther upon the Subject, but to 
return his Brother this Anfwer : T^hat he held it not a bro- 
therly Part., to endeavour to bereave him of his two darling 
Children at once : That., for his Part., he defired no farther 
JJJurance of his Friendfliip., than the Promife., he had given : 
and., That from him., Sir Thomas already had a Pledge., one 
of his Daughters., which., as long as fhe lived., would be fuf- 
ficient \ but if fhe fhould happen to die., he promifed to give 
another. And further., fays he, tell him., altho' he had no 
Pledge at all., yet he yieed not dijiruft any Injury from me or 
my People. There hath been enough of Blood and War. Too 
Tuany have been fain already., on both Sides ; and., by my Oc- 
cafion., there fhall never be more. /, who have Power to per- 
form it., have faid it. I am now grown old., and ivould gladly 
end tny Days in Peace and ^uietnefs ; and altho' I fhould have 
juji Caufe of Refentment., yet my Country is large enough., and 
I can go from you. And this Anfwer., I hope., will fatisfy 
my Brother. 

K 4 Whilst 




'The History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

Whilst Mr. Harrier ftaid here, by Chance there came 
an Englijhrnan^ who had been taken, three Years before, 
at Fort Henry^ on the Mouth of Hampton River. He was 
grown fo like an Indian^ both in Complexion and Habit, 
that he could be dillinguifhed from them by nothing but his 
Language, He begged of Mr. Harrier^ to procure his Li- 
berty ; which, with much Difficulty, he did. And now 
being about to return, Poivhatan defired him, to put his 
Brother Dale in Mind, to fend him feveral Toys and Tools ; 
which, left he fliould forget, he made him write them down, 
in a Table-Book, that he had. However he got it, it was 
a very fair one ; and Mr. Harner defired, he would give it 
to him. But he told him, he could not part with it : For 
it did him much Good, in fhewing to Strangers. After 
which, having furnifhed them well with Provilions, he dif- 
miffed them ; giving each a Buckfkin, extremely well dref- 
fed, and fending two more, to his Son and Daughter. 

All this while. Sir Thomas Dale^ Mr. JVhitaker^ Mi- 
nifter of Bermuda-Hundred^ and Mr. Rolfe^ her Hufband, 
were very careful and affiduous, in inrtru6ling Pocahontas in 
the Chriftian Religion •, and (lie, on her Part, exprefled an 
eager Defire, and fhewed great Capacity in learning. After 
fhe had been tutored for fome time, fhe openly renounced 
the Idolatry of her Country, confeffed the Faith of Chrift, 
and was baptized by the Name of Rebecca. But her real 
Name, it feems, was originally Matoax \ which the Indians 
carefully concealed from the EngliJJ)^ and changed it to Po- 
cahontas., out of a fuperftitious Fear, left they, by the 
Knowledge of her true Name, fhould be enabled to do her 
fome Hurt. She was the firft Chriftian Indian in thefe Parts, 
and perhaps the fincereft and moft worthy, that has ever 
been fince. And now (lie had no Manner of Defire, to re- 
turn to her Father ; neither could fhe well endure the bru- 
tifh Manners, or Society, of her own Nation. Her Affec- 
tion to her Hufband was extremely conftant and true ; and 
he, on the other Hand, underwent great Torment and Pain, 
out of his violent Paflion, and tender Sollicitude for her. 

Whilst thefe things were tranfa6ling in Virginia., 
Captain Smith's reftlefs and enterprifing Genius could not 
brook a Life of Indolence and Ina6livity at home. He there- 
fore undertook a Voyage for fome Merchants, to that Part 
of Virginia^ which had been difcovered by Captain Gof- 
nold^ in the Year 1602. Having made an advantageous 
Voyage for his Owners, and taken an exa6f Chart oi the 
Coaft, he then firft called the Country New-England. This 
Name was afterwards confirmed and eftabliihed by Prince 
Charles., who likewife, at Captain Smith's Defire, gave 

Names 



Book III. rhc History of VIRGINIA. 137 

Names to feveral Places and Rivers along the Coaft, from i6'4- 
Cape Cod as far as the Bay oi Fundi. It was refolved, to '""■^^y^"""^ 
fettle the Country immediately, under the Condu6t of Cap-^"'^^"'"''^ 
tain Smith ; who was graced with the empty Title of Ad- pernor, 
miral of New-England. But he meeting with many crofs 
Accidents the next Year, and being at laft taken by a French 
Rover, the Project became abortive ; and it was the Year 
1620, before any Settlement was made there. 

This Year alfo. Sir JValter Ralegh firft pubiiftied his 
Hiftory of the World ; which was received with all due 
Applaufe and Admiration by the Publick, but gave Um- 
brage, we are told, to the King. Some Authors have in- 
finuated, that that Royal Pedant was piqued, as an Author, 
and jealous of him in that Capacity. As if it would ever 
come into any Man's Head, to put that admirable Work 
in the Ballance with his old-wiiifh Garrulities ; which are 
now only to be found in the Collections of the Curious, as 
a comic and ridiculous Entertainment, and a proper Sub- 
ject for Laughter and Contempt. Others fay, that he was 
fcandalized at the Freedom, which Sir Walter Ralegh had 
taken with fome dead Princes, and particularly with Henry 
VIII ; thinking it perhaps an unpardonable Infolence, and a 
Kind of Blafphemy, that any, below a Crowned Head, 
{hould dare to cenfure their AiStions. Whilft others tell us, 
that, through the mifchievous Infinuations of fome Syco- 
phants about him, he fufpe<5led, that it contained an artful 
Expofure of himfelf and Miniftry. And thus truly, as Mr. 
Oldys obferves, the General Hiftory of the World was turn- 
ed into a fecret Hiftory, or oblique Satire, upon his Court ; 
and Scotch Faces were to be feen in it, ftuck upon old 'Jew- 
ijh^ Babylonian^ or AJfyrian Shoulders. Altho', as it is re- 
marked by another Author, he might eafily be led to fancy, 
he faw in the Face of Ninias^ the Son of Se?nirafnis, his 
own Features, as Succeflor to the Britijlj Semiramis ; and 
that his particular Injuftice, to the Writer, was well repre- 
fented and cenfured, in the Story of Jhab's taking away 
Naboth's Vineyard. But from whatever Caufe his Oftence 
arofe, I thought, it would not be unacceptable to the Rea- 
der, to make this ftiort Digreffion, to the Honour of that 
immortal Work. For next to the Praife and Approbation 
of the Wife, it hath been ever efteemed a fecondary Hon- 
our to an Author, to be carped at, by the foolifli Cavils, 
and vain Exceptions, of thofe of a contrary Character. 

In yune, Captain Jrgall fet Sail for England^ and gave 

an Account of the quiet and flourifhing State of the Colony ; 

which Report was ftrengthened by the Teftimony of Sir 

Thomas Gates., who had returned from Virginia^ the March 

'' before. 



Sir Thomas 
Dale, Go- 
vernor. 




the History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

before. To back this Succefs with all Expedition, the 
Council and Company refolved, that the great Virginia 
Lottery ftiould be drawn, with all convenient Speed ; which 
was accordingly done, the following Year 1615. The 
fame Year, a Spanijh Ship was feen to beat to and fro, off 
Point Comfort; and at laft, (he fent a Boat afhore, for a Pilot. 
Captain Davies^ the Governor of the Fort, readily granted 
one, and fent Mr. John Clarke ; who was no fooner on 
board, but they fet Sail, and carried him off to Spain. He 
was there ftrongly follicited, to become their Inftrument 
and Pilot, to betray the Colony. But he bravely and ho- 
neftly refifled all their Temptations ; and was, therefore, 
obliged to undergo a long Captivity. At laft, after four 
Years Imprifonment, he was, with much Suit, returned to 
England. But the Spanijh Ship, by fome Accident, left 
three of her own Men behind ; who were immediately 
feized, and ftri6lly examined. They faid, that having loft 
their Admiral, they were forced into thefe Parts ; and that 
two of them were Captains, and in chief Authority in the 
Fleet. But fometime after, one was difcovered to be an 
EnglifJ)man ; who had been a Pilot in the Spanijh Armada.^ 
in the grand Expedition againft England., in the Year 1588. 
And not content with this Perfidy and Bafenefs to his Coun- 
try, he began here to plot, and perfuaded fome Malecon- 
tents, to join with him, in running away with a fmall Bark. 
But they were apprehended, and fome of them executed ; 
and he, now lying at Mercy, readily confeffed, that there 
were two or three Spanijh Ships at Sea, fent purpofely to 
difcover the State of the Colony. But he faid, their Corn- 
miflion was not to be opened, 'till they arrived in the Bay ; 
fo that, of any thing further he was utterly ignorant. One 
of the Spaniards died here, and the other was fent to En- 
gland. But this Renegado was hanged at Sea, by Sir Tho- 
mas Dale., in his Voyage homeward. 

For Sir Thomas Dale had now been five Years in the 
Country ; and he had been, for Ibme time paft, kept here, 
and fupported under a longing Defire to vifit his own Affairs 
and Family, by a juft Senfe of his Duty to God and his 
Country, and out of Compaffion to the poor Creatures com- 
mitted to his Charge. But now the Country being in per- 
fect Peace, and having fettled all things in good Order, 
and made Choice of Mr. George Teardley., to be Deputy- 
Governor in his Abfence, he embarked for England., with 
Pocahontas and Mr. Rolfe her Hufband ; and carrying with 
them feveral young Indians of both Sexes, they ail arrived 
fafe at Plimouth., the 12th of June., 1616. But at the time 
of his Daughter's Departure, Powhatan had withdrawn 

himfelf 



Book III. rhe History of VIRGINIA. 139 

himfelf to the King of Moy-umps^ on Patowmack River ; 161 6. 

out of Fear, as it was fuppofed, of Opechancanough. For ^— ^-r ' 

he was then a Man very gracious and popular, both with Gco.Ycard- 
the Indians and the EngliJJ} ; and as Opitchapan^ the fecond ^l\ 
Brother, was lame and decrepit, he was thought to look 
upon Powhatan^ a Perfon of equal Ambition and Capacity 
for Government, as the only Obftacle to his afpiring Hopes 
and Defigns. And therefore, Powhatan fufpe6led at this 
time, that he had entered into a Confpiracy with the En- 
glijh^ to betray him into their Hands ; a Cafe, which he had 
ever dreaded, and which, he had therefore turned the whole 
Force of his Politicks, to prevent and avoid. 

This worthy and honourable Knight, Sir Thomas Dale^ 
who may juftly be ranked among the firft and beft of our 
Governors, had, by his fingular Vigor and Induftry, and 
by his Judgment and Condu6l of the Affairs of the Colony, 
put things into fuch an eafy and profperous Condition, that, 
from this Time, an Alteration was made, in the Right of 
Adventure for Land. For before this, every one, that had 
adventured his own Perfon, or had fent, or brought others 
over, at his own Expence, was entitled to an hundred A- 
cres of Land, perfonal Adventure, for each ; which was 
the utmoft that could be granted in any fingle Share, by 
the King's Letters patent, and which are called, in the 
Company's Journals, and other old Records, Great Shares, 
or Shares of old Adventure. But now it was thought, all 
Difficulties were fo far overcome, and the Country fettled 
in fuch a Way of fubfifting and flourifhing, that, hence- 
forward, fifty Acres only were allowed to thofe, who came, 
or brought others over. This is the ancient, legal, and a 
mofl: indubitable Method of granting Lands in Virginia^ and 
was intended for a great and ufeful End, the encouraging 
People, to come themfelves, and to bring or fend others 
over, to inhabit the Country ; and that they might, imme- 
diately upon their Arrival, have a Place, whereon to feat 
themfelves and Families. And I likewife find, in the old 
Records, that upon peopling and faving thefe hundred, or 
fifty Acres (the Terms of which I can no where find) they 
were entitled to the like Quantity more, to be held, and 
feated at their Leifure. But befides this, there were two 
other Methods of granting Lands. The one was upon Me- 
rit : When any Perfon had conferred a Benefit, or done 
Service, to the Company or Colony, they would beflow 
fuch a Proportion of Land upon him. However, to pre- 
vent Excefs in this Particular, they were reftrained, by his 
Majefly's Letters patent, not to exceed twenty great Shares, 
or two thoufand Acres, in any of thefe Grants. The other 




rhe History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

was called the Adventure of the Purfe ; every Perfon, who 
paid twelve Pounds ten Shillings into the Company's Trea- 
fury, having thereby a Title to an hundred Acres of Land, 
any where in Virginia^ that had not been before granted to, 
or poflefled by others. 

Sir Thomas Dale^ among the many Praifes, juftly due 
to his Adminiftration, had been particularly careful of the 
Supplies of Life ; and had, accordingly, always caufed fo 
much Corn to be planted, that the Colony lived in great 
Plenty and Abundance. Nay, whereas they had formerly 
been conftrained, to buy Corn of the Indians Yearly, which 
expofed them to much Scorn and Difficulty, the Cafe was 
fo much altered under his Management, that the Indians 
fometimes applied to the Englijh^ and would fell the very 
Skins from their Shoulders for Corn. And to fome of their 
petty Kings, Sir Thomas lent four or five hundred Bufhcls ; 
for Repayment whereof the next Year, he took a Mort- 
gage of their whole Countries. But as the Cultivation of 
Tobacco began to creep in, and to obftruft their Crops of 
Corn, he made a Law, that no Tobacco fhould be fet, 
'till fuch a Proportion of Corn-Ground, for the Mafter and 
each Servant, had been firft prepared and planted. And 
this was the firft Beginning and Eflay, towards making 
Tobacco here, which hath ever fince continued the Staple- 
Commodity of our Country. But after his Departure, both 
his Law and his Example were utterly laid by and forgot ; 
and the new Governor himfelf, together with all the Peo- 
ple, being tempted with the View of prefent Gain, applied 
themfelves fo eagerly to planting Tobacco, that they neg- 
leded the other neceflary Article of Life. And befides this 
Neglect of their Corn, the Supplies of People, fent this 
Year, came, as ufual, fo unprovided, that they foon eafed 
them of the Plenty, left by Sir Thomas Dale^ and reduced 
them to great Streights. Mr. Teardley therefore, fent to 
the Chickahominies^ for the Tribute Corn. For there being 
about two hundred and fifty, or three hundred, fighting 
Men of the Nation, and each Man being obliged, by the 
Treaty, to bring two Bufhels of Corn to the Store, fuch a 
Quantity would have been a great Relief to their Neceffities. 
But receiving a flight and affrontive Anfwer, he drew to- 
gether an hundred of his beft Shot, and went to Chicka- 
hominy. 

The People there received him with much Scorn and 
Contempt. They told him, he was only Sir Thomas Dale'?, 
Man ; that they had indeed paid his Mafter, according to 
Agreement ; but as for him, they had no Order, and lefs 
Inclination, either to obey, or give him any Corn. And 

being 



Book.III. the History <?/^ VIRGINIA. 141 

being led by their Captain, Kijfanacomen^ Governor of O- "t^ie. 

xinies^ they drew themfelves up, in martial Rank and Or-^ v ^ 

der, as they faw the Englijh do. But after many Remon- ^^"- J'^'^^'J- 
ftrances, and much Bravade and Threatening on both Sides, ^^J 
Mr. Teardley^ at laft, commanded his Men to fire upon 
them. Twelve were flain, and as many taken Prifoners ; 
among whom, were two of their Senators, or Elders. For 
their Ranfom, they had an hundred Buftiels ; and the In- 
dians^ to buy their Peace, readily loaded their three Boats 
with Corn ; one of which, crowding on, to bring the firft 
News to yarnes-Toiun^ was unhappily overfet, all her Corn 
loft, and eleven Men drowned. 

Opechancanough^ a politick and haughty Prince, was much 
vexed, that neither his Brother, nor he, could ever bring 
this obftinate People, firmly to their Obedience. Being, 
therefore, as attentive to enllave them, as they were watch- 
ful and tenacious of their Liberty, he took this Opportunity, 
and agreed with Mr. Teardley^ to come to no Terms with 
them, without his Advice and Confent. And as the En- 
gl'ijh palled down the River with their Prifoners, he met 
them at 0%inies^ and pretended to the Indians^ that he had, 
with great Pains and Sollicitation, procured their Peace. 
To requite which Service, they chearfully proclaimed him 
King of their Nation, and flocked, from all Parts, with 
Prefents of Beads, Copper, and fuch other Trifles, as were 
in Value and Efleem among them. And he was glad to 
be content with this precarious Acknowledgment, from a 
free and refolute People. But this feafonable and vigorous 
Chaftifement of the Chickahominies^ and efpecially the ftridt 
League and Friendfhip, with Opechancanough^ and the whole 
Imperial Family, kept the reft of the Indians in fuch Awe 
and Dependance, that the Englijh followed their Labours, 
with the utmofl: Quietnefs and Security. Many alfo of 
the Savages daily brought them fuch Provifions, as they 
could get ; and would be their Guides in hunting, and fome- 
times hunt for them themfelves. And thus, by fuch an In- 
tercourfe and Familiarity, the Englijh and they lived together, 
the reft of this Gentleman's Government, as if they had 
been one People. And Captain S?nith tells us, that Mr. 
Teardley had fome trained to their Pieces to kill him Fowl, 
as had likewife feveral other Gentlemen in the Country ; 
and that thefe foon became as dextrous and expert, as any 
of the Englijh. But the Captain's Authority is rendered 
very fufpicious in this, by the Records of our General 
Court. For long after, the Governor and Council received 
fome Queries from England., the fourth whereof was : 
What M^as the Caiife of the Majfacre., and who firji taught 

the 



142 rhe History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1616, the Indians the Ufe of Fire Arms? Whereupon, in a Court 

^~-^-v 'held the ift of November^ 1624, Robert Poole and Edward 

Gco.Ycard- Qylfidon^ Gentlemen, ancient Planters and Inhabitants of 
nor. "^^"^'the Country, appear, and declare, upon Oath, their Know- 
ledge of the Matter. Their Depofitions entirely clear Mr. 
Yeardley^ and fhew him to have been very cautious and 
careful in that Point ; and they throw the whole Blame up- 
on Captain Smith himfelf, Sir Thomas Dale^ and fome other 
inferior Officers and private Perfons. 

I N the mean while, Pocahontas^ or the Lady Rebecca^ 
as they now afFe6ted to call her, was kindly received in En- 
gland. She was, by this time, well inftru6ted in Chriftia- 
nity, fpoke good and intelligible EngliJ})^ and was become 
very civil and ceremonious, after the Englijl) Fafhion. She 
was likewife delivered of a Son, of which fhe was extremely 
fond ; and the Treafurer and Company gave Order, for 
the handfome Maintenance of both her and her Child. 
Befides which, her Company was courted, and (he kindly 
treated, by many Perfons of higheft Rank and Quality in 
the Nation. There hath been indeed a conftant Tradition, 
that the King became jealous, and was highly offended at 
Mr. Rolfe., for marrying a Princefs. That anointed Pedant, 
it feems, had fo high an Idea of the Jus divinum^ and in- 
defeafible Right, of Powhatan^ that he held it a great Crime 
and Mifdemeanor, for any private Gentleman to mingle 
with his Imperial Blood. And he might perhaps likewife 
think, confiftently with his own Principles, that the Right 
to thefe Dominions would, thereby, be vefted in Mr. Rolfe's 
Pofterity. However, it pafled off, without any farther bad 
Confequence, than a little Difpleafure and Murmuring. 

At the time of Pocahontas's Arrival, Captain Smith was 
preparing for a Voyage to Mew-England. He was much 
concerned, that the Suddenefs of his Departure put it out 
of his Power, to do her that Service, which he defired, and 
fhe well deferved at his Hands. However, being well ac- 
quainted at Court, and particularly favoured and counte- 
nanced by Prince Charles^ he drew up, and prefented to the 
Queen, before her Arrival in London., a Reprefentation of 
her Cafe and Defert. In this, he expreffes a deep Senfe of 
Gratitude to her ; and fets forth her great Affection, and 
many Services, to himfelf, and the whole Englifh Nation : 
That by her, their Quarrels had oft been appeafed, their 
Wants fupplied, and their Dangers averted : That fhe, un- 
der God, had been the chief Inftrument, of preferving the 
Colony, and confirming the Settlement : That being taken 
Prifoner, fhe had become the Means of a firm Peace and 
Alliance, with her Father : That fhe was now married to 

an 




Book III. TZv History of VIRGINIA. 

an Englijh Gentleman ; who, however, was not of Ab 
Hty, to make her fit to attend her Majefty : That fhe was 
the firft Chriftian, that ever was of that Nation ; and the f"-'^""''^' 
firft Virginian^ that ever fpoke, or became Englijh : That ^^J 
being well received, and honoured by fo great a Queen, 
beyond what her fimple Thought could imagine or conceive, 
(he might be the Means of adding another Kingdom, to his 
Majelty's Dominions : But by bad Ufage, her prefent Love, 
to the Englijh and Chriftianity, might be turned to Scorn 
and Fury ; and all the Good, fhe had, or might do, divert- 
ed to the worft of Evil. And therefore, he humbly recom- 
mends her to her Majefty, as a proper Object of her Favour 
and Regard, on Account of her Birth, Virtue, Simplicity, 
and forlorn Condition in a ftrange Country. 

But before Captain Smith's Departure, Pocahontas came 
up to London. Being offended by the Smoke of the Town, 
fhe was immediatelv removed to Brentford \ whither Smith, 
with feveral of his Friends, went to vifit her. After a cold 
and modeft Salutation, fhe turned from him in a paflionate 
Manner, hid her Face, and could not be brought to fpeak 
a Word for two or three Hours. But at lafl, fhe began to 
talk ; and fhe reminded him, of the many Services, (he 
had done him, and of the ftricSl Promife of Friendfhip, be- 
tween him and her Father. You., fays fhe, promifed him., 
that what was yours., Jhould he his ; and that you and he 
would be all one. Being a Stranger in our Country., you called 
Powhatan Father ; and /, for the fame Reafon., will now 
call you fo. But Captain Smith., knowing the jealous Hu- 
mour of the Court, durfl not allow of that Title, as fhe 
was a King's Daughter ; and therefore, he endeavoured to 
excufe himfelf from it. But fhe, with a ftern and ffeady 
Countenance, faid : Tou were not afraid to come into my Fa- 
ther's Country., and firike a Fear into every Body., but myfelf\ 
and are you here afraid., to let me call you Father ? I tell you 
then., I will call you Father., and you Jlmll call me Child \ and 
fo I will for ever be of your Kindred and Country. They 
always told us., that you were dead ; and I knew no otherwife., 
'till I came to Plimouth. But Powhatan commanded Tomo- 
como to feekyou out^ and know the Truth ; becaufe your Coun- 
trymen are much given to Lying. 

This Tomocomo (or Uttamaccomack., as Smith calls him) 
had Matachanna., one of Powhatan's Daughters, to Wife ; 
was one of the chief of his Council, and of their Priefls ; 
and was efteemed a very wife and underftanding Fellow a- 
mong them. He was therefore fent upon this Voyage, by 
Potuhatan., to take the Number of the People in England., 
and to bring him a full and exa6t Account, of their Strength 

and 




The History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

and Condition. And accordingly, being arrived at Plimouth^ 
he got a long Stick, intending to cut a Notch, for every- 
one, he faw. But he was foon tired with fuch an endlefs 
Work, and threw away his Stick ; and being afked, by the 
King, after his Return, how many People there were ? it 
is faid, that he replied : Count the Stars in the Sky^ the 
Leaves on the Trees^ and the Sand upon the Sea Shore \ for 
fuch is the Nutnber of the People in England. But Sir Tho- 
mas Dale told Mr. Purchas^ that he believed him to be fent 
by Opechancanough^ their King and Governor in Powhatan % 
Abfence and Retreat ; and that he was fent, not fo much 
to number the People, as to take an Account of their Corn 
and Trees. For Namontack^ and fuch others, as had been 
fent to England formerly, being ignorant and filly, and 
having feen little elfe befides London^ had reported much of 
their Men and Houfes, but thought, they had fmall Store 
of Corn and Trees. And it was therefore a general Opinion 
among thefe Barbarians, that the Englijh came into their 
Country, to get a Supply of thefe ; which might be ftrength- 
ened and confirmed, by their fending large Quantities of 
Cedar, Clapboard, and Wainfcot, to England^ and by their 
continual Want and Eagernefs after Corn. But Tomocomo^ 
landing in the JVeJi^ and travelling thence to London^ was 
foon undeceived, and faw great Caufe, to admire the En- 
glif Plenty. However, he began to take an Account, un- 
till his Arithmetick failed him. Meeting Captain Smith ac- 
cidentally in London^ they foon renewed their old Acquain- 
tance. He told the Captain, that Pozvhatan had commanded 
him, to find him out, to fhew him the Englijh God, their 
King, Queen, and Prince ; of which he had told them fo 
much, i As to God, Captain Smith excufed and explained 
the Matter, the beft, he could ; and as to the King, he 
told him, that he had already feen him, and fliould fee the 
reft, whenever he pleafed. But he denied, that he had feen 
the King, 'till, by Circumftances, he was convinced and 
fatisfied. And then, with a melancholly Countenance, he 
faid : Tou gave Powhatan a white Dog^ which he fed as him- 
felf; hut your King has given me nothings and yet I am bet- 
ter^ than your white Dog. Such an arch Senfe had this 
Barbarian, of the ftingy Treatment, with which he had 
been received at Court. 

Wovz-EVEK.^ Pocahontas was eagerly fought, and kindly 
entertained every where. Many Courtiers, and others of 
his Acquaintance, daily flocked to Captain Smith., to be in- 
troduced to her. They generally confeiTed, that the Hand 
of God did vifibly appear, in her Converfion ; and that they 
had feen many Englijh Ladies, worfe favoured, of lefs ex- 
ad 



Book III. rhe History of VIRGINIA. ,145 

a(St Proportion, and genteel Carriage, than ftie was. She '616. 
was likewife carried to Court, by the Lady Delawarr^ at-^'-^> ' 
tended by the Lord, her Hufband, and divers other Perfons ^"■^^'"''^- 
of f^afliion and Diftin6tion. The whole Court were charm- j^^^ 
ed and furpril'ed, at the Decency and Grace of her Deport- 
ment ; and the King himfelf, and Queen, were pleafed, 
honourably to receive and erteem her. The Lady Dela- 
warr^ and thofe other Peribns of Quality, alfo waited on 
her, to the Mafks, Balls, Plays, and other publick Enter- 
tainments ; with which (he was wonderfully pleafed and de- 
lighted. And fhe would, doubtlefs, have well defcrved, and 
fully returned, all this Refpeft and Kindnefs, had fhe lived 
to arrive in Virginia. 

The Lord Rich was one of the Company in England-^ 
a great and powerful, but a moft defigning, interefted, 
and fa(£lious Member. Not content with that lawful and 
regular Advantage, which might be juflly expelled, in a 
due Courfe of Time, from the Enterprife, but aiming at a 
fudden and extraordinary Profit, altho' it fliould be, by the 
Spoil of the Publick, and Oppreflion of the private Plan- 
ters, and being likewife egged on and aflifted, by fome cor- 
rupt and avaritious Perfons, he threw himfelf at the Head 
of a Fa6lion in the Company, and drew over to his Party, 
as many Creatures and Dependents, as he poflibly could. 
By their Means and Support, he hoped and endeavoured, 
to bear fuch a Sway, both in the Virginia and Somer-IJJands 
Company, that the Management of all things at home, and 
the Placing all Governors abroad, fhould be entirely in his 
Power and Difpofal. And altho' he met with a Check in 
his Defigns, from many great and worthy Members, and 
a vaft Majority of the whole Companies, yet he did, at 
this time, carry a very important Point. Captain Samuel 
Jrgall^ a Friend and Relation of Sir Thomas Smith., the 
Treafurer, was one of Lord Rich's fafteft Friends and Fa- 
vourites. His Lordfhip therefore, having concerted Mat- 
ters with him, and entered into a Partnerfliip, procured him 
to be ele6led Deputy-Governor of Virginia. And altho' 
Martial Law was then the Common Law of the Country, 
yet the better to arm and ftrengthen him, with the Exer- 
cife of fuch a defpotic Authority, and that no Man here 
might dare to open his Mouth againfl: him, he obtained for 
him the Place of Admiral of the Country and Seas adjoin- 
ing. 

With thefe Views and Powers, was Captain Argall 1617. 

fitted out, and fent to Virginia., in the Beginning of 16 17. , — -^ 

And the Treafurer and Council took Care, for the proper -^aw. ^r^-a//, 
Accommodation of Pocahontas and her Hufband, on board Governor. 
21 L the 

/ 
/ 



146 



The History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 



i6»7- the Admiral Ship. Mr. Rolfe was alfo made Secretary and 

"^ Y ^ Recorder-General of Virginia^ which Place was now firft 

^'""•^'■^"^'''inftituted. But it pleafed God, at Grave/end^ to tzkc Po- 
cahontas to his Mercy, in about the two and twentieth Year 
of her Age. Her unexpe6led Death caufed not more Sor- 
row and Concern in the Spe6lators, than her religious End 
gave them Joy and Surprife. For (he died, agreeably to 
her Life, a moft fincere and pious Chriitian, Her little Son, 
Thomas Rolfe^ was left at Plimouth with Sir Lewis Steukley^ 
who defired the Care and Education of him. This Gen- 
tleman was then Vice-Admiral of the County of Devon ; 
but foon after, having feifed Sir Walter Ralegh^ and been 
guilty of a notable Piece of Treachery towards him, he 
drew upon himfelf the publick Scorn and Deteftation. For 
however hard or unjuft Kings and Statesmen may be to 
thofe Perfons of their Age, who are of the moft eminent 
Parts and Virtues, the Publick is generally more candid in 
it's Judgments, and apt to refent every Hardfhip or ill Ufage 
to fuch Men. Sir Leivis Steukley therefore fell unpitied, 
when he was afterwards detected in corrupt Practices ; for 
which he was obliged to purchafe his Life at the Expence 
of his whole Fortune, and at laft died, a poor, defpifed, 
and diftraiSted Beggar. And as thefe Misfortunes happened 
foon after this Time, it is not to be fuppofed, that young 
Mr. Rolfe long enjoyed the Advantage of his Favour and 
kind Intentions. However he was carried up to London^ 
and there educated by his Uncle Mr. Heyvy Rolfe^ and after- 
wards became a Perfon of Fortune and Diftin6lion in this 
Country. \ He left behind him an only Daughter, who was 
married to Col. Robert Boiling ; by whom (he left an only 
Son, the late Major ^John Boilings who was Father to the 
prefent Col. John Boilings and feveral Daughters, married 
to Col. Richard Randolph^ Col. John Fle?ning^ Dr. William 
Gay^ Mr. Thomas Eldridge^ and Mr. James Murray. So 
that this Remnant of the Imperial Family of Virginia., which 
long ran in a fingle Perfon, is now encreafed and branched 
out into a very numerous Progeny. 

But Governor Argall., with his Vice-Admiral Captain 
Ralph Hamer., purfued their Voyage to Virginia., where 
they arrived in May. He found all the publickWorks and 
Buildings in James-Toivn fallen to Decay ; not above five 
or fix private Houfes fit to be inhabited ; the Market-place, 
Streets, and all other fpare Places, planted with Tobacco ; 
and the Colony difperfed all about, as every Man could 
find the propereft Place, and beft Conveniency, for Plant- 
ing. But foon after his Arrival, he wrote to England., that 
the Colony was in great Peace and Plenty, and the People 

bufily 



Book III. The History ./VIRGINIA. 147 

bufily employed, in preparing for their Crops of Corn and '617. 

Tobacco. With him returned Tomocomo^ who, in our old ""■ — v ' 

Records, is called by a third Name, Tomakin. Captain ^^"'■^'S''li 
Argall fent him immediately to Opechancanough^ who came 
to 'James-Town^ and received a Prefent, with great Joy 
and Thankfulnefs. Tomocomo railed violently againft En- 
gland^ and the Etiglijlj ; and particularly, againft his beft 
Friend, Sir Thomas Dale. But all his Reports were fo 
clearly difproved before Opechancanough and his Grandees, 
that much to the Satisfaction of the Grandees, he was re- 
jelled and difgraced. But Powhatan^ all this while, leaving 
the Care and Charge of the Government chiefly to Opechan- 
canough^ went about from Place to Place, taking his Plea- 
fure, and vifiting the different Parts of his Dominions. 
However he ftill continued in good Friendfhip with the En- 
gli/l}. He greatly lamented the Death of his Daughter ; 
but rejoiced, that her Child was living. He alfo, as well 
as Opechancanough^ exprelTed much Defire to fee him ; but 
determined, that he ought not to come over, before he was 
ftronger. And, this Year, one Mr. Latnbert made a great 
Difcovery, in the Trade of Planting. For the Method of 
curing Tobacco then was in Heaps. But this Gentleman 
found out, that it cured better upon Lines ; and therefore 
the Governor wrote to the Company, to fend over Line for 
that Purpofe. 

Captain Argall was a Man of Senfe and Induftry ; 1618. 
and therefore, to fecure a Plenty of Provifions, he fent out, 
the next Year, a Frigat and a fmall Bark to trade, which 
brought near fix hundred Bufhels of Corn, to the great 
Relief of the Colony. For the Company's Servants, that 
worked for the Store, were reduced to fifty four. Men, 
Women, and Children. But from the Farmers, who were 
at Captain Argair% Arrival eighty one, and from the In- 
dians^ as Tribute, they received annually above twelve 
hundred Bufhels. But this Year, there was a great 
Drought, with a dreadful Storm, that poured down Hail- 
ftones, eight or nine Inches round, which did much Da- 
mage to both Corn and Tobacco. However, what To- 
bacco could be faved, was made up, the beft at three Shil- 
lings a Pound, and the reft at eighteen Pence. The Go- 
vernor alfo publiflied feveral Edids : That all Goods ftiould 
be fold at twenty five per Cent^ and Tobacco allowed for 
at three Shillings a Pound, and not under nor over, on the 
Penalty of three Years Slavery to the Colony : That there 
fhould be no private Trade or Familiarity with the Savages : 
That no Indian fhould be taught to fhoot with Guns, on 
Pain of Death to Teacher and Learner : That no Perfon 
L 2 fhould 



148 the History ^/VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1618. fhould hunt Deer or Hogs, without the Governor's Leave : 

'^ Y^-^That all Hogs, found a fecond time in yames-Town^ fhould 

Sam.ArgaU\yQ forfeited to the Colony; and thofe at Bermuda^ ringed: 
overnor. -pj^^j ^^ Man fhould flioot, except in his own neceffary 
Defence againft an Enemy, till a new Supply of Ammuni- 
tion came in, on Pain of a Year's Slavery : That none 
fhould go on board the Ship, then at 'James-Town^ without 
the Governor's Leave ; and that no Mafters of Ships fhould 
fufFer their Sailers to go afhore, or talk with the People at 
Kicquotan : That every Perfon fhould go to Church, Sun- 
days and Holidays, or lye Neck and Heels that Night, and 
be a Slave to the Colony the following Week ; for the fe- 
cond Offence, he fhould be a Slave for a Month ; and for 
the third, a Year and a Day. 

The Lord Delawarr^ who had withdrawn from the 
Government on Account of his Health, and whofe Com- 
miflion, as Captain-General, was fupreme, and fuperfeded 
all others, being ardently wifhed for by the Colony, was 
now fent by the Council and Company, in a large Ship, 
with a Supply of two hundred People. But meeting with 
contrary Winds and much bad Weather, many fell fick, 
and thirty died. In this Number was the Right Honoura- 
ble, the Lord Governor himfelf ; a Perfon of a moft noble 
and generous Difpofition, who had warmly embarked, and 
expended much Money, in this Bufinefs, for his Country's 
Good. Cambden tells us, that he had been feafled at the 
IVeJiern-IJJands^ and that his Death was not without fufpi- 
cion of Poifon. And I think I have fomewhere feen, that 
he died about the Mouth of Delawarr Bay, which thence 
took it's Name from him. But being not able, now to re- 
collect the Authority, I fhall leave it, as I found it, and 
not venture pofitively to affirm it. After his Death, they 
were forced on the Coafl of Neiu-England ; where they 
got a Recruit of Wood and Water, and took fuch an A- 
bundance of Fifh and Fowl, as plentifully ferved them to 
Vh'ginia. They likewife here met a fmall Frenchman^ rich 
in Bever and other Furrs, who feafted them with fo great 
a Variety of Fifli, Fowl, and Fruits, that they were all 
amazed ; little fufpe6f:ing, that wild Defert could afford 
fuch a wonderful Plenty of delicate and wholefome Food, 
This Ship bringing News, that Multitudes were preparing 
in England to be fent. Captain Argall called a Council, 
and wrote to the Treafurer and Council in England the 
State of the Colony ; and what Mifery muff neccffarily en- 
fue, if they fent not Provifions, as well as People. And 
he likewife reprefented their Want of fkilful Hulhandmen, 
with Shares, Harnefs, and other Implements for Ploughing. 

For 



Book III. "The History of VIRGINIA. 149 

For their Land was exceeding good, and they had now i^'iS. 
about forty Bulls and Oxen, which were wholly idle and ' y ' 
ufelefs, for want of fkilful Men to bring them to Labour, ^""'■f/l"" 
However, I find, in our old Records, that fome Ploughs, 
by this time, were fet to work. 

One Richard KiU'uigbeck^ this Summer, attempting a 
fecret Trade with the Indians^ was, together with his whole 
Company, flain by a Party of the Chickahominies ; who 
fearing the Confequences, robbed the Matchacomoco Houfe 
of their Town, and fled. This was their Temple and re- 
ligious Treafury ; held, to the higheft Degree, facred and 
inviolable by the Indians. And the Sunday after, they flew 
two Boys and three young Children, within a Mile of 
James-Town^ while their Parents were at Church. The 
Governor therefore fent to Opechancanough^ who had the 
Title of their King, and the Power too, as far as Neceffity 
conftrained, or it fuited with their Humour or Intereft. But 
he excufed the Nation from the Guilt, and laid the whole 
Blame upon fome fugitive Robbers ; of whofe Town he 
fent him a Bafket of Earth, as Pofleflion given ; and pro- 
mifed, to fend their Heads alfo for Satisfailion, as foon 
as they could poflibly catch them. But this he never per- 
formed; and confidering the Perfidy of his Nature, and 
the exterminating Hatred, he always bore to the Englijh^ it 
is much to be queflioned, whether he was not privy to, or 
perhaps the chief Author and Contriver of the whole Mat- 
ter. However, by thefe A6ls of Hoftility and Barbarity, 
the whole Nation was rendered obnoxious to the Englifh 
Power and Refentment, and his Regal Authority thereby 
firmly riveted and ellabliflied among them. Altho' the Go- 
vernor, being fatisfied with this Pretence and Excufe, never 
farther profecuted, or revenged, this perfidious Murder and 
Breach of the Peace. 

Captain Argall^ all this time, was not negligent or 
forgetful of the grand End of his coming to Virginia^ but 
pufhed on his unrighteous Gains, by all imaginable Methods 
of Extortion and OpprefTion. For befides a Multitude of 
private Wrongs to particular Perfons, he converted in a 
manner wholly to his own Ufe and Pofleflion, whatfoever 
remained, at that time, belonging to the Publick, being 
the Fruits and Reli6ts of eighty thoufand Pounds Expence. 
So that he was loudly charged, with many Ofi^ences in Mat- 
ter of State and Government, with Depredation and Wafte 
of the publick Eftate and Revenues of the Company, and 
with great Oppreflion of the Colony in general, as well as 
feveral private Men in particular. And the Cries of his 
Outrages and Rapine at laft became fo loud and numerous, 

and 



150 "The History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1618. and the Company in England was fo enraged at the Reports 
"- — r-— and Informations, they received, that they could fcarce be 
&m.^r^fl//j.eftrained from flying to the King, for the Redrefs of fo 
Govervor. ^^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^^^ Mifchiefs. But Sir rho?nas Smith, whe- 
ther in Favour to Captain Argall, his Kinfman, or out of 
his real Judgment, alledged, that imploring his Majefliy's 
Aid might prove prejudicial to the Company's Power, and 
of dangerous Confequence to their Liberties ; and might 
alfo give Room to much publick Scandal and Refle6lion. 
And therefore he propofed a milder and lefs clamorous Way 
of Proceeding. 

To this End, he himfelf. Alderman Johtifon, the De- 
puty-Treafurer, Sir Lionel Cranfield, and others of the 
Council, wrote Captain Argall a Letter, dated the 23d of 
Auguji, 1618; charging him, in very (harp and fevere 
Terms, with many Crimes and Mifdemeanors : That he 
was exceedingly chargeable to the Company, and converted 
the Fruits of their Expence to his own private Ufe : That 
he was grown fo proud and infolent, as to fcorn the Title 
of Deputy-Governor, declaring, that he would be no Man's 
Deputy : That he wronged the Magazine, by his Negli- 
gence and Connivency : That he had appropriated the In- 
dian Trade to himfelf; ufing the Company's Frigat and 
other Vellels, together with their Men, to trade for his 
own Benefit, and prohibiting the Trade of Skins and Furs 
to all others : That he took the old Planters, who ought to 
be free, as well as the Company's Tenants and Servants, 
and fet them upon his own Employments: That he expen- 
ded the publick Store-Corn, to feed his own Men : That 
he had, for fome private End and Purpofe of his own, in- 
formed the Company, that Opechancanough and the Natives 
intended to give their Country to Mr. Rol/e's Child, and 
to referve it from all others, 'till he came of Age : That 
he neither looked into, nor regarded, their Inftru6tions ; 
but had, under Pretence of their Commiffion, difpofed of 
all the Company's Cattle, againft their Exprefs Orders and 
Directions, and had converted the Profits thereof to his own 
Ufe : That he had, under Colour of his Right, as Admiral, 
feifed and detained fome Hides, unlawfully taken or pur- 
chafed, for which the Company had compounded, with the 
Lord High Admiral and the Spanijh AmbafTador, at the 
great Expence of four hundred Pounds : And in fhort, that 
all his Actions and Proceedings feemed to be, as if the Co- 
lony was wholly intended for his private Gain and Advan- 
tage, and as if he was fo great, and they fo mean and in- 
fenfible of Reafon, as to let things, of this publick and no- 
torious Nature, pafs ofF without a ftriCl and exa6l Account ; 

up- 



Book III. rke History of VIRGINIA. 151 

upbraiding him alio with thefe ungrateful Returns to their ^618. 
Favour and Friendfliip, in procuring him the Government. ' y ' 

At the fame time, they wrote a Letter to my ^'^^^%'^^^^lf^ 
Delawarr^ whofe Death was yet unknown in England^ 
containing the like Heads of Complaint and Accufation a- 
gainll Captain Argoll\ and informing him, that by the 
llrange Infolence of his laft Letter, and by the Informations 
of fundrv Witnefles, lately come from Virginia^ there was 
more Difcontent raifed in the Adventurers, and more Dan- 
ger feared to the Colony, than had ever happened, by any 
other thing, fince the firft Beginning of the Enterprife. So 
that the Adventurers could hardly be reftrained from going 
to the King, altho' far off on a Progrefs, and procuring his 
Majefty's Command, to fetch him home as a Malefailor. 
But to avoid farther Scandal to their Management and Ad- 
miniftration, they befeech his Lordfliip, to fend him forth- 
with to England^ to make his perfonal Appearance, and to 
give his Anfwers to fuch things, as fliould be laid to his 
Charge. And forafmuch as it was conceived, that there 
would be many things, for which he muft make Satisfaction 
to the Company, they defired his Lordfliip, to feife upon 
his Tobacco, Skins, Furs, and other Goods, to be fent to 
them as a Depofite, till all Matters fliould be fatisfied and 
adjufted ; and that he would likewife return the Cattle, and 
other publick Goods, which he had embezzled, to their 
proper Places and Owners. And at the fame time, there 
was an Order of Court paffed in Etigland^ to fequefter all 
Captain Argalts Effe6ls, which fliould be fent home, to 
make Reftitution to the Company for his Rapines and Ex- 
tortions. 

These Letters, coming, by Lord Delawarr's Death, 
to Captain ArgaWs, Hands, were fo far from diverting or 
repreffing his Exhorbitances, that they feemed, only to put 
him upon his Guard, and to render him the more ea- 
ger and ftudious to make the beft Ufe of his Time. For 
my Lady Delaxvarr complained, that he wrongfully took 
fome of her Goods from her late Hufband's Servants, with- 
out rendering any Account of them. And indeed he had, 
in general, affumed to himfelf a Power, of ordering and 
difpofing of his Lordfliip's Eftate, fetting his Tenants and 
Servants to his own Work, and thereby ruining and depo- 
pulating a very large and hopeful Plantation, begun by his 
Lordfhip. But one Captain Edward Brewjier^ alledging 
Lord Delawarrs Order, for their being under his Manage- 
ment and Direction, endeavoured to withdraw them from 
the Governor's Work, and to employ them, for the Main- 
tenance of themfelves, and for the Benefit of his Lordfliip's 

Heirs, 



152 "The History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1618. Heirs and Fellow-Adventurers. But one of them refufed 

^ — ' 'to obey him, which drew from him fome threatening Ex- 

Sam.Argall ^^^^^^^^ againft the Fellow. This he immediately ran with 
to the Governor ; who being drunk with Power, and im- 
patient of Oppofition, (a Dillemper, very incident to our 
American Viceroys) and being alfo vexed perhaps, to find 
any one dare to withftand his arbitrary Schemes of Gain, 
he caufed Captain Brew/ier to be feifed, tried by a Court 
Martial, and condemned to Death. 

The Legality of this Proceeding was founded on an Ar- 
ticle of the Martial Laws of the Low Countries, intro- 
duced among thofe Articles, fent over by Sir Thomas Smith. 
This decreed, " That no Man fliould offer any Violence, 
" or contemptuoufly refift or difobey his Commander, or 
" do any A61, or fpeak any Words, which might tend to 
" breed Diforder or xMutiny, in the Town or Field, or 
" difobey any principal Officer's Dire6lions, upon Pain of 
" Death." But altho' it was evident from his Majefty's 
Charter, that the Governor had Power to execute Martial 
Law only in Times of Mutiny and Rebellion, in like Man- 
ner as Lords Lieutenants in England had, and that in all 
other Cafes, as well civil as criminal, their Proceedings 
were to be as agreeable, as conveniently might be, to the 
Laws, Statutes, Government, and Policy of the Realm of 
England; and altho' it was as evident, that there was at 
that time no Pretence of Rebellion or Mutiny, but the Co- 
lony enjoyed an univerfal Peace and Tranquility ; yet was 
this innocent Gentleman's Condemnation moft unmercifully 
driven on, and his Life fubje6ted to the Pleafure of a furi- 
ous and enraged Enemy. And this, not in an Affair of 
publick Concern, but in a Dispute of private Right ; and 
when it did not appear, that he had uttered any thing a- 
gainft: the Governor, but only fome threatening Lan- 
guage againft a Servant, that difobeyed his lawful Com- 
mands. And the whole was carried on and tranfa6led, un- 
der Colour and Pretence of a Law, which could have no 
legal Force or Validity in the Britijh Dominions. Altho' 
it muft be confeffed, that Martial Law was then the reign- 
ing Law of Virginia^ to the great Difcouragement of the 
Colony, and to the manifeft Infringement of the Rights and 
Liberties of the People, as Britijh Subjects. And this 
Courfe, at times introduced and ufed from the firft, as be- 
ing in a State of War and Danger, was firmly riveted and 
confirmed by thofe bloody Articles, fent in by Sir Thomas 
Smithy which were unfortunately, at their firft coming, ap- 
plied to a good Purpofe and Effe£l by Sir Thomas Dale^ in 
quelling the diforderly and mutinous Humours of the Peo- 
ple. 



Book. III. rbe History of VIRGINIA. 153 

pie. And thus, by this Example and Authority, and by 1618. 
eafy Acquielcence and Ignorance in the People of their na-^"-^.-^"^ 
tive Rights and Privileges, it was made the {landing Rule Sam.Argnll 
of Proceeding, and became the Common Law and Cuftom 
of the Country. 

But fome of the Court, reflecting on the extreme Se- 
verity of thefe Martial Laws, and being alfo moved per- 
haps by the particular Hardfhip and Unrighteoufnefs of the 
prefent Cafe, prevailed on the reil, to go in a Body, and 
intercede for Captain Brewjier^s Life. And being alfo joined 
by fuch of the Clergv, as were at Hand, they did, with 
much Intreaty, and after many Repulfes and Allegations of 
Captain Argall^ at laft prevail to fave his Life. But it 
was upon this exprefs Condition, that he (hould take a fo- 
lemn Oath, neither dire£lly nor indirectly, in England or 
elfewhere, to utter any contemptuous Words, or do any 
thing elfe, that fliould turn to the Diflionour or Difparage- 
ment of Captain Argall\ and that he (liould never return 
more to Virginia^ by any dire6l or indire6l Means. All 
which was this poor Gentleman, a Perfon of fome Figure 
and Confideration, obliged to fubmit to, to refpite and put 
off an immediate Execution. But after his Return to 
England^ being deeply fenfible of this oppreilive and in- 
jurious Treatment, as alfo to clear his Reputation, and to 
wipe off the Stain of being a condemned Man, he appealed 
from the Sentence of the Court Martial in Virginia^ to the 
Treafurer and Company in England. And the Profecution 
of this Appeal did greatly contribute, to fiiew and expofe 
the extreme Rapicioufnefs and tyrannical Adminiftration of 
Captain Argall. 

A Ship, called the Treafurer., was alfo, this Year, fent 
from England by the Lord Rich., who was now become 
Earl of Warwick., a Perfon of great Note afterwards in the 
Civil Wars, and commander of the Fleet againft the King. 
He had afpired to the Title of Earl of Clare ; but that 
being then efteemed the fame with Clarence., and a Royal 
Title, it was judged too high an Honour for a Family in a 
Manner nev/ and upftart, and that of Warivick conferred 
upon him. This Ship was here new victualled, and manned 
with the ftouteil: and ableff Recruits, that could be picked 
out of the whole Colony. And then, under Colour of an 
old Commiflion of Hoftiility from the Duke of Savoy., againft 
the Spaniards., which they had by fome Means procured, 
{lie was fent to rove on the Spanijli Dominions in the //-^y/- 
Indies ; where {lie committed much Ravage, and gained 
fome Booty. But they had the Confcience even to detraud 
the Mariners, who afterwards made Complaint to the 
'^^ Com- 



154 "^^^ History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1618. Company, that they had cheated them of their Share of 
^— — r— -^the Negroes taken ; all which were placed on the Earl of 
Sam.ArgaH Jf^arwick'' s Lands in Bermudas, and there kept and detained 
ove.nor. ^^ j^.^ Lordftiip's Ufe. And this Proceeding was efteemed, 
not only a manifeft A61 of Piracy, but alfo a thing of great 
Danger to the Colony, confidering our weak Condition at 
that time, and the great Strength of the Spaniards in the 
Weft-lndies. Mr. Beverley alfo gives a particular Account 
of an Expedition, made this Year by Captain Argall in Per- 
fon, to diflodge the French at St. Croix and Port-Royal in 
Acadia. But as I cannot find the leaft Mention of it, in 
any contemporary Writer, or in any of the old Records, 
that I have perufed and examined, I am apt to think, he is 
miftaken in the Time, and confounds this with the Expedi- 
tion, he made under Sir Thomas Dale., in the Year 16 14. 

But the Company in England., receiving Advice of 
Lcrd Delawarr\ Death, and finding, that Sir Thomas 
S7nith\ Proje6l had thereby failed of Succefs, came to a 
Refolution of fending over a new Governor, with. Power 
to examine all Complaints and Accufations againft Captain 
Argall upon the Spot. And therefore Captain Teardley, 
who was upon this Occafion knighted, was chofen Go- 
vernor and Captain-General, and fent upon this Bufinefs. 
But Captain Argall., in the mean while, was fully apprifed, 
by the Earl of Warwick and others, his. Aflbciates in En- 
gland., of every thing, that had pafied in their Courts con- 
cerning himfelf. Wherefore, to prevent the Seifure of his 
Goods, he configned all his Effedls, under other Men's 
Names, and into the Hands of great and powerful Perfons. 
And as to thofe Goods, which were fent home, before he 
knew of the Order to fequefter them, the Earl of Warwick., 
by his Intriguing and Intereft, got them all into his own 
Hands, under Pretence of taking out the Share, which be- 
longed to him by his Right of Partnerfhip, and upon ex- 
prefs Promife, to return the reft into the Company's 
Hands. But this Promife he could never be brought to per- 
form ; fo that the Company were deprived of the Means to 
right themfelves, and defrauded of that juft Reftitution, 
which they had great Reafon to expe61: and demand. 

This Year 1618 is likewife memorable, for the Death 
of two Perfons of principal Figure in the Virgniian Hiftory. 
The firft of thefe was Poivhatan., Emperor of the Indians., 
a Prince of excellent Senfe and Parts, and a great Mailer 
of all the Savage Arts of Government and Policy. He 
was penetrating, crafty, infidious, and cruel ; and as hard 
to be deceived by others, as to be avoided in his own Stra- 
tegems and Snares. But as to the great and moral Arts of 

Policy, 



Book III. T/:c History ?/ VIRGINIA. 155 

Policy, fuch as Truth, Faith, Uprightnefs, and Magnani- 1618. 

mity, they feem to have been but Httle heeded or regarded ' ■, ' 

by him. He was fucceeded in his Dominions, according to S^m.Argall 
the regular Order of Succeffion, by his fecond Brother, "^'^'■"°''- 
Opitchapan ; who is fometimes called Itopat'in^ and Oeatan. 
And now upon his Acceffion to the fupreme Power, he 
again changed his Name to Safawpen^ as Opechancamugh 
did his to Mangopeeomen. Upon what Reafon of Cuftom, 
or Dignity, or Humour, thefe Changes were made in their 
Names, I cannot fay ; but to avoid Confufion, I fliall take 
no Notice of fuch nominal Differences, but fhall always 
fpeak of the fame Perfon by the fame Name. Opitchapan^ 
being an eafy, decrepit, and unaftive Prince, was foon 
obfcured by the fuperior Parts and Ambition of his younger 
Brother, Opechancaiiough ; whofe Figure and Activity firft 
drew the Attention, and at laft, by degrees, engrofled the 
whole Power of the Government ; altho' for fome time, 
he was content with, and feemed chiefly to afFe£t, the Title 
of King of Chickahominy. However they both renevv'ed 
and confirmed the League with the Englijh ; under the Pro- 
teftion of v/hich, every Man peaceably followed his Build- 
ing and Planting, without any remarkable Accidents or In- 
terruption. 

The other Perfon was Sir Walter Ralegh^ the Father 
and firfl Mover of thefe American Colonies ; to whom we 
owe our Name, as we do our Settlement alfo to the Profe- 
cution of his Defign. In OBober this Year, he ended a 
Life of much Glory and Adverfity, on the Scaffold, to the 
everlafting Infamy and Reproach of King fames. For he 
was a Perfon of very great Worth, and of a vaft and moft 
extenfive Genius ; being equally fitted, to fhine in every 
Part of Life, or Branch of Art, to which he applied him- 
felf. And he was accordingly alike famed, as a Seaman, 
a Soldier, a Statefman, and a Scholar. He was therefore 
univerfally pitied and lamented, and even interceded for by 
feveral Princes ; by the Queen, Prince Henry., the King of 
Denmark., and King of France., whofe Agent in England., 
even at the laft, endeavoured to contrive his Efcape. But 
King fames., perverfely bent on the Wrong, could, by no 
means, be prevailed upon, to fpare the greatcft and wifeft 
Head in his Dominions ; but foamefully made him a Sacri- 
fice to his darling Dotage, the Spani/lo Match, a Meafure 
weak in itfelf, but profecuted and carried on, with ftill 
greater Weaknefs and Indifcretion. But his Death hath 
been fo often deplored and condemned, that I (hall not add 
to the general Complaint any farther, than by making fome 
brief Extra6ts out of a Letter, preferved by Mr. Rujhworth 

in 



156 The History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1618. in his CollecSlions, to fliew the fliameful Cruelty and In- 

^— Y 'juftice of the A61. 

Sam.Argair ^ H I s Letter IS Written, by a great Minifter of State in 
Governor. £^^^i^^^^ j.^ ]y[j._ Cotthigton^ afterwards Lord Cottington^ 
the BritiP) Refident at the Court of Spain. In it he com- 
plains, as by Order from the King, of the Infincerity and 
Chicanry of the Spanifi Court in that Affair, and fets forth 
the upright and fincere Intentions of his Majefty. And he 
fays, that he is particularly commanded by his Majefty, to 
advertife him of the Execution of Sir Walter Ralegh^ who 
was lately put to Death, chiefly for their Satisfaftion, and 
concerning whom he promifes fpeedily to fend a Declara- 
tion: That, to pleafe them, his Majefty of late had, in 
many things, ftrained upon the Affe6lions of his People; 
and moft efpecially, in this laft of Sir Walter Ralegh., who 
died with great Courage and Conftancy, and had raifed 
much Remorfe and Compaffion in the People, who all at- 
tributed his Death, to the Spani/h Machinations, and his 
Majefty's Defire to do them a Pleafure : And further, he 
orders him, ftrongly to infift upon and reprefent, how able 
a Man Sir Walter Ralegh was to have ferved his Majefty, if 
he had been pleafed to have employed him : And that yet, 
to give them Content, he had not fpared him, altho' he 
might, by faving his Life, have given infinite Satisfa6lion 
to his People, and have had at Command, upon all Occa- 
fions, as ufeful a Man, as ferved any Prince in Chriften- 
dom. 

Thus fell one of the laft-furviving, and the brighteft 
of all the Commanders, bred under Queen EUfabeth., and 
by her flefhed in SpaniJJj Blood and Spoil. And what is the 
moft reproachful Part of it, he fell a Vi6lim to his own 
great Merit and Abilities, the Memory and Danger of 
which, to the SpaniJJo Nation, had been revived, by his late 
Expedition to Guiayia ; as alfo, out of the old Grudge, for 
his many eminent Services, under his former Royal and 
illuftrious A/Iiftrefs, Queen Elifaheth., and to place him be- 
yond a Poflibility of ever rendering the like Services, to 
King James or his Son. As the King's whole Condu^^c to- 
wards him was a ftrange Medley of Injuftice amJ Incon- 
fiftency, fo was it fmartly obferved by his Son, Carew Ra- 
legh \ That his poor Father was firft condemned, for being 
a Friend to the Spaniards., and afterwards loft his Life, by 
the fame Sentence, for being their Enemy. Fie died, as he 
had lived, with great Luftre and Honour ; with the Cha- 
rity, Serenity, and Refignation of a Chriftian, joined to 
the Magnanimity and intrepid Courage of an old Roman. 

In 



Book III. "The History of VIRGINIA. 157 

I N the Beginning of the Year 1619, Sir George Tcardley v/as 1619. 

difpatched and lent Governor, with divers Commiffions and "-; — v ' 

Inftrudions for proceeding againft Captain Jrgall \n ^^'^^T-^yc^/J'/'/' '■ 
nia^ were the Fa6ls were committed, and where the Proofs, Qgyg^nor^ 
on both Sides, might readily be had. The Earl of War- 
tvick and his Faftion had violently oppofed this, but not be- / 

ing able to prevail, he was obliged to betake himfelf to / 

other Meafures. Mr. Roi/e's Commiffion was either now ' 

expired ; or elfe, as I rather believe, he had given Offence 
to the Companv, and was turned out of his Place of Se- 
cretary. And this, I find fome Reafon to fufpe6l, pro- 
ceeded from his too great SubmifTion and Subferviency to 
Captain Jrgnll's male Practices. But however that was, 
the Earl of IFarivick obtained that Place from Sir Thoinas 
Smithy for Mr. John Pory^ who now went over with the 
Governor. For the Nomination to that Office was a Com- 
pliment, made by the Company to their Treafurer ; till af- 
terwards the Earl of Southampton^ in the Time of his Trea- 
furerfliip, returned it back to the Company, and referred it 
wholly to their Choice. By the Means of this Pory^ as it 
was vehemently fufpe6led, the Earl of Warivick got the 
Ship fo long Hopped and retarded on the Coaft of England^ 
that he difpatched a fmall Bark, before from PUmouth^ to 
fetch away Captain Jrgall^ with all his Goods and Booty. 
This Bark arriving the Beginning of Aprils Captain Argall 
took immediate Order for his Affairs, and within four or 
five Days, embarked in her for England. He left Captain 
Nathaniel Powel Deputy-Governor ; a worthy Gentleman, 
who had come in at the firfi: with Captain Smith., and ever 
fince continued, an honeft and ufcful Inhabitant. But his 
Government was of very fhort Duration. For in ten or 
twelve Days after Captain ArgaW?, Departure, Sir George 
Teardley arrived ; and was received with the greater Joy and 
Welcome, as he brought with him feveral Charters from 
the Company, of Grants and Liberties to the Colony. For 
the honefter Part and Majority of the Company, being 
alarmed at thefe late Proceedings, refolved to be more atten- 
tive to the Affair, and to prevent all fuch Exorbitancies for 
the future. One of thefe Charters only have I feen, con- 
taining Directions to the Governor and Council of State, to 
lay ofl" Lands for feveral publick Ufes ; and likewife con- 
firming Titles, and afcertaining the Methods of obtaining 
Lands in Virginia., and for preventing fraudulent and fur- 
reptitious Grants ; two of which, of a very extraordinary 
and inconvenient Nature, had been obtained by Captain 
Martin and Captain Argall. But Sir George Teardley., hav- 
ing thus narrowlv miffed of the Quarry, applied himfelf to 

the 



158 "The History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1619. the Affairs of Government. And .firft he added the fol- 
^^ Y^— ^lowing Gentlemen to the Council; Captain Francis JVeft^ 
&r George Captain Nathaniel Poiuel, Mr. John Pory^ Mr. John Rolfe^ 
Governor, ^r. William Wickham, and Mr. Sainuel Macock. For al- 
though Captain Powel had been appointed Deputy-Gover- 
nor, yet was he not of the Council. For, till this time, 
the Governors, in Cafe of their Abfence, always affumed 
to themfelves the Power of naming their Deputies. Soon 
after Sir George publifhed his Intention, of holding a Gene- 
ral Affembly in a ftiort time ; which, I fuppofe, was one 
of the chief Privileges and Powers, granted and fent over 
with him. And I likewife find, by an Inftrument of Wri- 
ting to one Richard Kingf?nil^ that he had a Power to grant, 
and accordingly did grant, to all the ancient Planters, who 
had been here before Sir Thojuas Dale''s Departure, a full 
Releafe and Difcharge from all further Service to the Co- 
lony, excepting only fuch Services, as they fhould willing- 
undertake, or were bound in Duty to perform by the Laws 
of all Nations ; together with a Confirmation of all their 
Eftates real and perfonal, in as full and ample Manner, as 
the Subjecfts of England held and enjoyed them. And this 
Precaution was undoubtedly occafioned by Captain JrgalPs 
Rapines, and many perfonal Impofitions on the ancient Plan- 
ters and Freemen of the Colony. 

The Earl of IVartvick was highly incenfed at thefe late 
Proceedings againft Captain Argall ; and finding Sir Thomas 
Smith not ftanch, and fit for his Purpofe, he purfued, with 
great Vehemence, the Removal of him and Alderman John- 
fon^ the Deputy, from the Government of the Company. 
Thofe two Gentlemen had alfo given much Offence, to 
the greater and better Part of the Adventurers ; and lay un- 
der a ftrong Sufpicion, as well of Negligence in their Office, 
as of Collufion and unfair Dealing. Sir Thomas Smith too 
himfelf, being far advanced in Years, of tender Health, 
and very rich, was willing to furrender a Place, of fo great 
Trouble and Fatigue, and fo little fair Profit. And there- 
fore, being already Governor of the Eajl-lndia Company, 
and lately appointed a Commiffioner of his Majefty's Navy, 
he declared, at a Quarter Court, held the 28th of April^ 
that he was unable to give that Attendance, which he de- 
fired, and which the Affairs of the Company demanded ; 
and for that reafon, requefted the Favour of them, to be 
difcharged from his Office. And altho' he was afterwards 
named by fome to be a Candidate, yet he was fixed in his 
Refolution, and abfolutely refufed to ftand in Eledfion. In 
his Room, Sir Edwin Sandys^ Sir John Wolftenhohne^ and 
Alderman John/on^ were propofed ; and the Choice fell on 



Book III. rhe History of VIRGINIA. 159 

Sir Edwin Sandys^ he having fifty nine Voices, Sir yobn 1619. 
TVol/ienhobne twenty three, and Alderman yohnfon eighteen. ^'■" — v^-^ 
Sir Edwin was a Gentleman of Kerit^ and a Member of ^"' ^^°''S.' 
Parliament ; a Perfon of excellent Underftanding and Judg- Governor 
ment ; of great Induftry, Vigor, and Refolution ; and in- 
defatigable in his Application to the Bufinefs of the Com- 
pany and Colony. He had, before this, on Account of his 
Iduftry and Knowledge of their Affairs, been often joined, 
by the Courts, with Sir Thomas Smithy in the Management 
of feveral weighty things, relating to the Colony. So that 
fcarce any thing, whilll he was in Town, paffed without 
him. But he afterwards complained, that what was done, 
during his Abode in Town, was commonly undone, when 
he was abfent in the Country. Mr. John Farrar^ an emi- 
nent Merchant of London^ with a like Majority, was chofen 
Deputy-Treafurer ; a worthy Second to Sir Edwin Sandys^ 
and every way fit for the Poft, conferred upon him. 

But not to caft off an old Servant with Difregard, who 
had, in the Time of greateft Trouble and Difficulty, con- 
tinued above twelve Years in the principal Office of the 
Company, at the Motion of Sir Ediuin Sandys^ twenty 
great Shares, or two thoufand Acres of Land, were be- 
ftowed, as a Gratuity, upon Sir Thomas Smith. But there 
was not the leaft Notice taken, or Reward given, to Al- 
derman yohnfon. And thefe Alterations in the Govern- 
ment of the Company gave not only much Satisfa6lion in 
England., but were alfo received with great Joy in Virginia ; 
where the old Officers had been long and bitterly exclaimed 
againft, by the general Voice of the Colony. But the 
Earl of Warwick was fo far from gaining by the Change, 
that he had now a Perfon of much greater Honour and In- 
tegrity, and a Gentleman of principal Figure and Intereft 
in the Nation, to oppofe his Schemes and Defigns. For 
altho' Sir Edwin Sandys was much wronged in the Execu- 
tion of his Office, and even fought to be deterred by Threats 
of Blood, yet they could no way turn him, from a vigorous 
Profecution and Enquiry into the late Diforders in Virginia. 
At the Expiration of Sir Thomas Smith's Government, af- 
ter fourfcore thoufand Pounds Expence and twelve Years 
Labour, the Colony confifted of about fix hundred Perfons, 
Men, Women, and Children. And they had about three 
hundred Head of Cattle, fome Goats, and infinite Num- 
bers of Hogs, both wild and tame. But all the Compa- 
ny's Lands and Plantations were utterly ruined and depo- 
pulated by Captain Argall., there being only three Tenants 
left thereon, and fix Men of what he called his Guard. 
And notwithftanding Sir Thomas Smith's Boaft, that he had 

left 



i6o "The History ^/VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1619. left four thoufand Pounds, for the new Treafurer to proceed 
■ — -Y— ^ upon, yet it was found, upon Examination, that the Com- 
Sir George pany was above that Sum in Debt. However Sir Edwin 
Governor Sandys^ and all the founder and more publick-fpirited Part 
of the Company, applied themfelves, with a laudable Dili- 
gence and Induftry, to reform the Abufes, and by all the 
Methods, they could devife, to fet forward and advance the 
Plantation. 

Sir George Teardley^ upon his Arrival in Virginia^ find- 
ing a great Scarcity of Corn, made it his firft Care to fup- 
ply that Defe6l. And therefore he wrote to the Treafurer 
•and Company in England^ to excufe him, if he made not 
fuch Returns in Tobacco, this Year, as might be expefted. 
For he was determined, by the Bleffing of God, to raife 
such a plentiful Crop of Corn, that the Colony fhould not, 
in hafte, be in any further Danger of Want. And about 
the latter End of 'June^ he called the firft General All'em- 
bly, that was ever held in Virginia. Counties were not yet 
laid off, but they ele6led their P,.eprefentatives by Town- 
fhips. So that the Burroughs of 'James-'Totvn^ Henrico^ 
Berynuda Hundred., and the reft, each fent their Members to 
the Affembly. And hence it is, that our Lower Houfe of 
Affembly was firft called the Houfe of Burgeffes, a Name 
proper to the Reprefentatives of Burroughs or Towns ; 
and it hath, by Cuftom, ever fince retained that Appella- 
tion, altho' the Burgeffes, or Members for Towns and Cor- 
porations, are very few and inconfiderable at prefent, in 
Comparifon of the Reprefentatives for Counties. Mr. Be- 
verley fays, they fate in the fame Houfe with the Gover- 
nor and Council, after the Manner of the Scotch Parlia- 
ment ; and we are told by Smith., that they debated all 
Matters, thought expedient for the Good of the Colony. 
The Afts of this General Afl'emblv were remitted to En- 
gland., and prefented to the Company, to be read in their 
Court, the 20th of March following; For the Company 
then had the regal Power of confirming, or difanulling our 
A6i:s of Affembly. I can no where find, among the Re- 
cords now extant, any Account of the Particulars, that 
paffed. Only Sir Edwin Sandys., upon Perufal of them, 
affures the Company, that they were very well and judi- 
cioufly formed -, but they were very intricate, and difficult 
to be reduced into diftin6l and proper Heads. 

HowKVER we may be certain of this happy Effe£l, that 
by the Introdu6tion of the Britifl) Form of Government, 
by Way of Parliament or Aflembly, the People were again 
reftored to their Birthright, the Enjovment of Britijh Li- 
berty ; and that moft grievous and oppreflive Cuftom of 

Trial 



Book. III. rZv History of VIRGINIA. 161 

Trial by Martial Law was thereby, if not at once, yet by 1619. 

Degrees, entirely baniflied and abolifhed. It is true indeed, ^ ^ ' 

that before, both by the Royal Charters, and by all other sir George 
Law and Reafon, the Englijl\ tranfplanted hither, had a 'i'^'^'-dicy, 
Right to all the Liberties and Privileges of Englifh Subjects. 
And certainly no Perfon, in his Senfes, would haye left the 
Liberty of England^ to come hither (in order to improye 
the Commerce, and increafe the Riches of the Nation) to 
a State of Slavery ; when without that, it was natural to 
fuppofe, that they muft undergo much Hardfhip and La- 
bour. Yet by the Neceffity of the Times, by the Igno- 
rance of the People, and by the Oppreflion and Tyranny of 
Governors, they had, thus far, been deprived of that their 
native Right. But with the Engl'ijh Form of Government, 
the Englijh Liberty again revived and flouriflied \ and to- 
gether with the Nation, they now tranfplanted and diffufed 
into America their moft happy Conftitution. From this 
Time therefore, we may moit properly date the Original 
of our prefent Conftitution, by Governor, Council, and 
BurgefTes ; which altho' defe6live perhaps in fome material 
Points, yet comes fo near to the excellent Model of the En- 
gl'ijh Government, that it muft be the hearty Prayer and 
Defire of all true Lovers of their Country, that it may 
long flourifh among us and improve. For this happy Change, 
we are chiefly indebted to the Change of the Officers and 
Governors of the Company in England^ and to the Activity 
and Attention of Sir Edwin Sandys^ and many other worthy 
Members of the Company, to the Affairs of the Colony. 

This Summer, they laid off four new Corporations; 
which encreafed the Number of their Burroughs, that had 
Right to fend Members to the Aflembly, to eleven in all. 
And "Japa-zaius^ the King of Patowmack^ came to faines- 
Town^ and invited the Englifl) into his River to trade ; for 
a more plentiful Year of Corn had not been known, in a 
long time. But Captain IVard^ being fent thither, was 
treacheroufly dealt with by the Natives ; and the thing 
coming to open Hoftility, he took from them eight hundred 
Bufliels by Force, and fo returned to James-Toiun. One 
Captain Stallings^ this Year, had the Misfortune, firft to 
have his Ship caft away, and not long after to be flain, in 
a private Quarrel, by TFilliatn Eppes. And the whole 
Colony laboured under fo great a Mortality, that no lefs 
than three hundred of the Inhabitants died within the Year. 
But in Mitigation of this, they had the moft plentiful Crop 
of Grain, that had ever yet been raifed, fince the firft Plan- 
tation of the Country. And indeed the Company received 
fuch an Account of it, as will not eafily gain Credit ; which 
23 M I there- 



i62 rhe History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1619. I therefore leave entirely to the Reader's good Pleafure, to 

"'^ Y-"~^ believe or diltelieve, as he thinks fit ; neither fliould I have 

Sir George related it, had I not found it authentically recorded, in the 
Governor Company's Journals. For by Letters from Vh-ginia^ they 
were informed, that they had had two Harvefts of Wheat, 
the firft being fhaken by the Wind, and producing a fecond ; 
and their Ground was fo extraordinary fat and good, that 
they planted Indian Corn upon the Stubble, and had an ex- 
cellent Crop of that. But it muft be remembered, that 
rare-ripe Corn was the Corn of thofe Times, and that they 
ufually had two Crops of it in a Year. 

Whilst things were in this State in Virginia^ Sir Ed- 
win Sandys was, by no means, idle or negligent of his 
Charge in England. For turning the whole Bent of his 
Thoughts, towards the Improvement and Furtherance of 
this noble Enterprife, he got a Committee appointed, con- 
fiding of Sir Dudley Digges^ Sir Ediuard Harwood., and di- 
vers other Knights, Gentlemen, Merchants, and Citizens, 
as well tor compiling and reducing the (landing Rules and 
Orders, for the Government of their own Company, into 
one entire Body, as more efpecially for conftituting Laws, 
and fettling a Form of Government for Virginia., appoint- 
ing Magiltrates and Officers, and declaring their feveral 
Fun61:ions and Duties. And this was one of the chief Powers 
and Injunctions of his Majefty's Letters patent and Inftruc- 
tions to the Company. As to the former Part, concerning 
the Government of themfelves, it was eafily brought to a 
tolerable Head. But the latter being a vaft Defign, of very 
great Weight and Difficulty, and comprehending no lefs, 
than a Project for rearing, conltituting, and forming a com- 
pleat Commonwealth, in all its Parts, it never could, not- 
withftanding Sir Edwin Sandys^s great Pains and Diligence, 
be brought to any fatisfaftory Conclufion. So that Virginia 
was left to the befl: Means of forming its Government ; that 
is to fay, to work after the Englijh Plan, with the Affifl:ance 
of Time and Experience, and the united Senfe and Endea- 
vours of its Reprefentatives and Officers of State. 

The King had formerly iflued his Letters to the feveral 
Bifhops of the Kingdom, for collecting Money, to ere6t 
and build a College in Virginia., for the training up and 
educating Infidel Children in the true Knowledge of God. 
And accordingly, there had been already paid near fifteen 
hundred Pounds towards it, and more was expedled to come 
in. For befides other Particulars, Sir Edwin Sandys., upon 
fome Conference with the Bifhop of Litchfield., found, that 
he had never heard of any Colle6lion in his Diocefe ; but 
he promifed, as foon as he iliould have a Warrant, to fur- 
ther 



Book III. rZr History of VIRGINIA. 163 

ther fo good a Defign, with the utmoft DiHgence. Sir '619. 
Edwin therefore recommended it to the Company, as a ^y — >- ' 
thing moft worthy of their Confideration, both for the ^^^'^Ye^'Jie^' 
ry of God, and their own Honour. And he told them, Q^^ygj^j^oJ 
that it was an Affair of that Weight and Dignity, that they 
muft expert to render an Accout of their Proceedings to the 
State ; and that NegHgence therein could never efcape pub- 
lick Notice and Cenfure, efpecially of thofe, who had ge- 
neroufly contributed towards it. He therefore had Sir Dud- 
ley Digges^ Sir Nathaniel Rich^ Sir fohn IVol/lenholme^ Mr. 
Deputy Farrar^ Dr. Anthony^ and Dr. Guljione^ appointed 
a Committee, to meet, as he fliould order and dire6l, and 
to confult thereupon. And he likewife moved and obtained, 
that ten thoufand Acres of Land Ihould be laid off for the 
Univerfity at Henrico^ a Place formerly refolved on for that 
Purpofe. This was intended, as well for the College for the 
Education oi Indians^ as alfo to lay the Foundation of a Se- 
minary of Learning for the Englijh. In Confequence of 
thefe Refolves, Sir Edwin procured fifty Men to be fent this 
Summer, and fifty more the Beginning of the next Year, 
to be feated on thefe College Lands, as Tenants at Halves. 
They were to have half the Profit of their Labour to them- 
felves, and the other half was to go, towards forwarding 
the Building, and the Maintenance of the Tutors and Scho- 
lars. And as a Man's Labour was then computed at ten 
Pounds Sterling a Year, it was intended, hereby to effablifli 
an annual Revenue of five hundred Pounds, for this good 
and pious Work. Mr. George Thorpe alfo, a Kinfman of 
Sir Thomas Dale's,^ being a Gentleman of his Majefty's Pri- 
vy Chamber, and one of the Council in England for Virgi- 
nia^ accepted ot the Place, and was fent over the next Spring, 
as the Company's Deputy and Superintendent for the Col- 
lege. And for his Entertainment and Support, they granted 
three hundred Acres of Land, to be for ever annexed and 
belonging to that Place, with ten Tenants thereon. 

In a great and general Qiiarter Court of the Company, 
held in November this Year, Sir Edwin Sandys told them, 
that his Duty and Inclination running equally for the Ad- 
vancement of this good A6lion, he had many things to lay 
before them. And accordingly, he reminded them, that 
the Maintenance of the Publick, in all States, was of no 
lefs Importance, even for the Benefit of private Men, than 
the Root and Body of a Tree are to the particular Branches. 
And he recalled to their Remembrance, how by the admi- 
rable Care and Diligence of two worthy Knights, Sir Tho- 
mas Gates and Sir Thomas Dale, the publick Eltate and Re- 
venue of the Company had been fet forward, in a Way to 
great Perfedion : That the former. Sir Thomas Gates^hzd 
M 2 the 



164 The History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1619. the Honour to all Pofterity, to be the first named, in his 
"^ Y 'Majeftv's Patent and Grant of /^/r^/«/(?, and was alfo the 
rL?i/7' firft, that by his Wifdom, Induftry, and Valour, accom- 
Governor. P^^ied with exceeding Pains and Patience, in the Midft of 
many Difficulties, had laid the Foundation of the prefent 
profperous State of the Colony: And the latter. Sir Thomas 
Dale^ building upon thofe Foundations, with great and 
conftant Severity, had reclaimed, almoft miraculoufly, thofe 
idle and diflblute Perfons, and reduced them to Labour and 
an honeft Fafliion of Life : That proceeding with great 
Zeal for the good of the Company, he had laid ofF publick 
Lands, to yield them a ftanding Revenue, placed Servants 
thereon, as alfo upon other publick Works, for the Com- 
pany's Ufe ; eflabliflied an annual Rent of Corn from the 
Farmers, and of Tribute from the Barbarians ; together 
with a great Stock of Cattle, Goats, and other Animals : 
That this had fince been the Occafion of drawing fo many 
private Plantations, to feat in Virginia \ upon Hope and 
Promife of Plenty of Corn and Cattle, to be lent them by 
the Publick, for their Eafe and Benefit, at their firft Arri- 
val : But that fince their Times, all this publick Provifion 
had been utterly laid wafte and deftroyed : And that befides, 
for about an hundred Perfons, which appeared to have been 
fent, at the Company's Charge, within the two or three 
laft Years, Sir George Teardley wrote Word, that, at his 
Arrival, only three could be found, remaining to the Publick: 
That as to the Means and Caufes of thefe Dilapida- 
tions, he doubted not, but that hereafter, in due time, they 
would be made fully manifeft ; but that he forbore, at pre- 
fent to touch upon them, left he ftiould, by Glance of 
Speech, give Offence to any Perfon prefent (for Captain 
Argall^ the known Author thereof, was then in Court ) 
But as to the Remedies of thefe Mifchiefs, he related to 
them, what Methods had been already taken. For where- 
as, not much above three Years before, there had been re- 
mitted from Virginia twelve feveral Commodities, fold 
openly in Court, to the great Honour of the A6lion, and 
Encouragement of the Adventurers ; yet fince that time, 
there had been little returned, worth fpeaking of, except 
Tobacco and Saftafras ; to which the People there applied 
themfelves fo entirely, that they would have been reduced 
to the Neceffity of ftarving, the laft Year, had not the Ma- 
gazine fupplied them with Corn and Cattle from England: 
That this had been the Occafion of ftopping and difcourag- 
ing many Hundreds of People, who were providing to re- 
move themfelves thither : That frequent Letters had there- 
fore been fent, from the Council there to the Governor in 
Virginia^ to reftrain that immoderate planting of Tobacco, 

and 



Book III. The History of VIRGINIA. 165 

and to caufe the People to apply themfelves to other and 1619. 

better Commodities: And that he had alfo, by the Advice^'— ^r ' 

and Confent of the Council, and according to an Order now ^''' George 
to be propofed, caufed to be drawn a new Covenant, to be Governor 
inferted in all future Grants of Land, that the Patentees 
fhould not apply themfelves, wholly, or chiefly, to To- 
bacco, but to other Commodities, therein fpecified ; an 
Example whereof they would now fee, in a Patent, lying 
before them for their Approbation. 

But altho' they had been, by no means, negligent in 
thefe Affairs, yet he faid, that his principal Care and Study 
had been employed, to fet up again and reftore the publick 
Stock and Revenue, to as great, or a greater Degree of 
Perfe6lion, than they had heretofore been at. And to that 
End, he recounted, how three thoufand Acres of Land 
had been laid off, for the Governor ; twelve thoufand for 
the Company ; and ten thoufand, for the Univerfity at Hen- 
rico. And that feventy two Perfons had already been placed 
on the Company's Land, fifty three on the Governor's, and 
fifty on the College's ; an hundred and feventy five in all. 
But not content with this, he told them, that he had ftill 
fome farther Propofitions to make to them. 

And firft, he propofed to them, that thefe Tenants for 
the publick might, the next Spring, be encreafed to the 
Number of three hundred ; an hundred for the Company's 
Land, an hundred for the College, and an hundred for the 
Governor, who fhould be obliged, at the Expiration of his 
Office, to leave the fame Number to his Succeffor ; which 
would thereby raife a ffanding Revenue of a thoufand Pounds 
a Year, and eafe the Company of all further Expence for 
his Provifion and Entertainment. And whereas Care had 
been, and ftill fhould be taken, during his Office, to fend 
over to thefe Lands, divers ftaid and difcreet Perfons, he 
propofed, in the fecond Place, that an hundred Boys and 
Girls, of about twelve or thirteen Years of Age, might be 
fent to be their Servants and Apprentices ; in the Charge 
whereof, he hoped, that the honourable City of London 
would partake with the Company, as they had formerly 
done. And becaufe he underflood, that the People in' plr- 
ginia, tho' feated there in their Perfons for fome few Years, 
yet were not fettled in their Minds, nor intended to make 
it their Place of Reft and Continuance, but propofed, after 
having got fome Wealth, to return again to England^ which 
tended to the utter Overthrow and Diflolution of the Plan- 
tation 5 he therefore advifed, and made it his third Propo- 
fition, that there fhould be fent over one hundred Maids, 
young and uncorrupt, to make Wifes for the Inhabitants ; 
M 3 that 



i66 rbc History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

1619. that Wives, Children, and Families, might render them 

^ ^ 'lefs moveable, and fix and fettle them, together with their 

Sir George Pofterity, in that Soil : And that fuch of thefe Maids, as 
olvemor ^^''^ married to the publick Farmers, fhould be tranfported 
at the Company's Expence ; but if any were married to 
others, that then thofe, who took them to Wife, {hould 
repay the Company their Charges of Tranfportation. And 
in Confequence of this Propofition, ninety Maids were ac- 
cordingly fent the following Spring. As to the Manner of 
tranfporting thefe Perfons, to make up five hundred in all 
for the Publick, he propofed, in the fourth Place, that they 
fhould not hire Shipping, as heretofore, fince each Ship, 
at its Return, in bare Freight and Wages, emptied the 
publick Cafh of eight hundred, and fometimes a thoufand 
Pounds -, but that they fliould, as he had already done this 
prefent Year, take the Advantage of the Ships trading to 
Nexvfoundland^ and fo tranfport them, at fix Pounds a Per- 
fon, without any after Reckonings. Fifthly, he propofed, 
the fending twenty Heifers, for every hundred Tenants, 
threefcore in the whole •, which, with their Breed, might 
foon raife them a tolerable Stock ; and which he had Hopes 
of having tranfported, taking the Opportunity of Shipping 
in the IVeftern Parts, at ten Pounds a Head, to be delivered 
in Virginia. 

Lastly, as to the Charges, he obferved to them, that 
there never could be a more proper Time, for fuch large 
Tranfportations, than the prefent ; Corn being fo exceedingly 
cheap and plentiful at home, and there being, by their Ad- 
vices from J^irghua^ fo great Promifes of an excellent Crop 
there. And he alfo {hewed, how much the Company was 
bound to give Thanks to Almighty God, for all his Blef- 
fings, who continually raifed Means, to fupport and carry 
on this great Work ; and he particularly mentioned one un- 
known Gentleman alone, who promifed five hundred Pounds, 
on, Demand, for the Conversion and Education of three- 
fcore Indian Children ; and that he had likewife, upon his 
Letters, received Afiurance from fundry Parts, and fome 
of them very remote, that if they proceeded with the Un- 
dertaking, they fhould not want for Money. But not to 
rely upon fuch precarious Funds and Hopes, he related to 
them, particularly, the feveral Ways and Means, by which 
the Money would arife. And he efl:imated the whole 
Charge, at four thoufand Pounds, to be done fparingly ; 
and bountifully, at five thoufand. He alfo promifed, not 
to leave the Company one Penny in Debt, for any A61 or 
Thing, to be performed within his Year ; and that he 
would moreover difcharge three thoufand Pounds of former 

Debts, 



Book III. rbe History of VIRGINIA. 167 

Debts, according to the Stock, left at the time of his com- 1619. 
ing to his Place. And thefe things done, he hoped, the^'" v ' 
Publick would again be fully reftored, a Foundation laid ^'^2/7' 
for a future great State, the Adventurers and Planters well Governor. 
comforted and encouraged, and all Matter of Scandal and 
Reproach to them and the Enterprife removed. And fo 
he concluded, by recommending thefe Points to their moft 
ferious Confideration, and the whole Enterprife to the Blef- 
fing of Almighty God. Thefe Propofitions, which had 
been before made in two feveral Courts, and were now re- 
peated at the particular Defire of fome noble Lords prefent, 
were received with that Applaufe, they well deferved ; and 
they pafled, upon the Queiiion, with an unanimous Ap- 
probation, altho' Sir John Woljienhobne^ in a former Court, 
had made fome vain Exceptions againft them. And Sir Ed- 
win Sandys^ with an extreme Care and Diligence, faw them 
all afterwards put effecflually into Execution. 

But befides thefe reputable People, to be tranfported at 
the Company's Charge, the Treafurer and Council received 
a Letter from his Majefty, commanding them, forthwith 
to fend away to Virginia an hundred diflblute Pcrfons, which 
Sir Ediuard Zouch^ the Knight Marfhal, would deliver to 
them. In Obedience to his Majefty's Command, it was 
refolved, to fend them over with all Conveniency, to be 
Servants, which Mr. Treafurer underftood, would be very 
acceptable to the Colony. But as it was November^ and 
Shipping, at that Seafon, not eafily procured,' it was thought 
they could not be fent off before January at fooneft. But 
to fatisfy his Majefty, the' Company agreed to be at the Ex- 
pence of their Maintenance, in the mean while. The 
Treafurer was therefore defired, to deliver this their An- 
fwer to his Majefty, by Secretary Calvert. But he was 
told, that the King's Command was urgent, and admitted 
no Delay -, and that fifty, at leaft, muft with all Speed be 
fhipped off. And notwithftanding his juft Reprefentations, 
how great Inconveniency and Expence would thence accrue to 
the Company ; that they could not well go in lefs than four 
Ships, left, being fo many together, they fliould mutiny, 
and run away with the Veffel; that thofe four Ships, to be 
got thus fuddenly, without taking Advantage of the Veffels 
trading to America^ would not ftand the Company in lefs 
than four thoufand Pounds ; and that, notwithftanding all. 
Ships were not to be procured fo fpeedily, at that Time of 
the Year. Yet nothing, he could alledge, giving Satisfaction, 
the Company were obliged to appoint a Committee of the 
Deputy and other fele6l Merchants, to employ all their En- 
deavours, for compafling Shipping, with all poftible Speed. 
M 4 And 




"The History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

And by good Fortune, for the additional Premium of an 
hundred Pounds, they procured a large Ship, to carry 
them off; but which neverthelefs could not fail before 
February. 

Those, who are acquainted with Hiftory, and know, 
with how high and magifterial a Hand, this King fometimes 
carried it, even with his Parliaments, will not be furprifed, 
to find him thus unmercifully infult a private Company, and 
load them, againft all Law, with the Maintenance and ex- 
traordinary Expence of tranfporting fuch Perfons, as he 
thought proper to banifh ; and that perhaps, without any 
colourable Pretext, or fufficient Warrant of Law at that 
time. And I cannot but remark, how early that Cuftom 
arofe, of tranfporting loofe and dilFolute Perfons to Virgi- 
nia^ as a Place of Punifliment and Difgrace ; which altho' 
originally defign'd for the Advancement and Increafe of the 
Colony, yet has certainly proved a great Prejudice and 
Hindrance to it's Growth. For it hath laid one of the 
fineft Countries in Britijh Jmerica^ under the unjuft Scandal 
of being a mere Hell upon Earth, another Siberia., and only 
fit for the Reception of Malefa6lors and the vileft of the 
People. So that few People, at leaft few large Bodies of 
People, have been induced, willingly to tranfport them- 
felves to fuch a Place ; and our younger Sifters, the Nor- 
thern Colonies, have accordingly profited thereby. For 
this is one Caufe, that they have outftripped us fo much, 
in the Number of their Inhabitants, and in the Goodnefs 
and Frequency of their Cities and Towns. 

His Majefty had, by his Letters patent, bearing Date 
the 23d oi May 1609, granted the Company a "Freedom 
" from all Cuftom and Subfidy, for twenty one Years, ex- 
" cepting only five per Cent, upon all fuch Goods and 
" Merchandifes, as fhould be imported into England., or 
" any other of his Majefty s Dominions, according to the 
" ancient Trade of Merchants." Notwithftanding this, 
which was intended for the Eafe and Encouragement of the 
Infant Colony, the Farmers of the Cuftoms, upon a gene- 
ral Rate made of Tobacco, both SpaniJJy and Virginia., at 
ten Shillings the Pound, demanded fix Pence a Pound, e- 
qually upon all ; altho' Spanijh Tobacco was ufually fold 
at eighteen Shillings a Pound, and fometimes more, and 
Virginia would feldom bear above three or four Shillings. 
Mr. Jacob alfo. Farmer of the Impoft upon Tobacco, did 
moft oppreflively impofe another fix Pence a Pound, con- 
trary to the clear and indubitable Tenor of his Majefty's 
Grant. And the Companv, in June this Year, importing 
twenty thoufand Weight, the whole Crop of the former 

Year, 



Book III. TZv History of VIRGINIA. 169 

Year, had delivered i.t all into the Cuftom-Houfe, as they 1619. 
were required, that the Tobacco might be weighed, and^'" — y-~^ 
the Cuftom anfwered. But Mr. Jacob^ of his own Au- ^ir^^jjj-^' 
thority, ftopped and feifed the Tobacco, till that Impoft of Qgyg^^^^^ 
fix Pence a Pound fliould be difcharged. And this alfo will 
foon be perceived by thofe, who are any thing verfed in the 
Hiftory of thofe Times, to be entirely confonant to the 
Behaviour of the Cuftomers then ; whofe Infolence and 
arbitrary Proceedings, fupported by the Royal Authority, 
and even encreafed and carried to a greater Height in the 
next Reign, was one of the chief and moft vifible Caufes 
of the general Difcontent of the Nation, and of the unhappy 
Civil War, which enfued. 

The Company, being thus wronged and abufed, ap- 
plied themfelves to the Lords of his Majeftv's Privy Coun- 
cil, and obtained their Letter to Mr. Jacob^ to deliver the 
Tobacco, upon their entering into Bond to pay him, what- 
foever fhould appear to be his due, upon Certificate from 
his Majefty's learned Council, within a Month. But Jacob 
rejedling this, and all other Conditions offered by the Com- 
pany, and likewife exa6ting twelve Pence a Pound at Pli- 
mouth^ upon the Somer-IJlands Tobacco, it was refolved to 
try the Strength of their Charter, and to enter an A6lion 
againft him for the Damage, which was already computed 
at two thoufand five hundred Pounds Sterling. But after- 
wards, confidering, that their Commodity was very perifli- 
able, and that their Suit could not be determined that 
Michaelmas Term, they altered their Method of Proceed- 
ing, and by the Advice of a ^reat Lord of the Privy Coun- 
cil to Sir Edwin Sandys., they brought the Matter before 
the Council Board ; where, upon the Attorney-General's 
delivering his Opinion clearly, that the Company, by their 
Letters patent, were free from all Impofition, and after 
fome Delay and Chicanry of Mr. Jacob., it was ordered, 
upon a full Hearing of the Allegations on both Sides, that 
he Ihould deliver the Tobacco to the Company, paying all 
lawful Duties appertaining thereto. And thus, at length, 
they regained their Goods out of the Hands of this Harpy ; 
but were obliged to fit filently by the great Lofs and Da- 
mage, occafioned partly, by impairing it's Worth through 
Drying and other Corruption, and partly by the Fall of the 
Price, upon the Sale of EngliJ]} Tobacco, made fince it's 
Importation. To which was added the daily Expectation 
of more, both from Virginia and the Somer-IJlands., which 
rendered the Market fo mean and dead, that they were fadly 
puzzled and perplexed, how to difpofe of it. And at laft, 
after many Schemes and Efforts to raife the Price, they were 
24 obliged 




"The History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

obliged to fell it very low, and were confiderable Lofers 
by it. 

I T was one peculiar Mark and Property of this Family 
of our Kings, that they were always craving, and for ever 
poor and in Want, notwithftanding the frequent Contribu- 
tions of the People, to fome of them efpecially ; the Reafons 
of which, it lies not within my Province at prefent, to 
open and explain. And accordingly King fames^ notwith- 
ftanding his natural Antipathy to Tobacco, began now to 
tafte the Sweets of the Revenue, arifing from it ; and was 
therefore very ill fatisfied, with this Determination of the 
Privy Council. For in the very Beginning of the next 
Year, within a Month after, under Colour, that fome 
Spanijh Tobacco had fold at twenty Shillings a Pound, he 
demanded of the Company twelve pence a Pound, Cuftom 
and Import, for theirs. But it was unanimoufly agreed, to 
ftand refolutely upon the Privilege of their Charter, which 
they could not give up or betray, without the greateft 
Breach of their Truft and Duty. And therefore, as Vir- 
ginia Tobacco had never been adlually fold for more, than 
five Shillings a Pound, but generally much lower, they fub- 
mitted to pay three Pence a Pound Cuftom, which was full 
five per Cent, on their higheft Price, But however, to avoid 
all Conteft with the King, as his Majefty had given Order 
for prohibiting, by Proclamation, the planting EngUJh To- 
bacco, for five Years enfuing, they agreed, in Return to 
that his Majefty's Favour, during the faid Term of five 
Years, if the Proclamation took Effe6l, and continued fo 
long, to add nine Pence a Pound more, and thereby to make 
it up twelve Pence ; which was the Full of his Majefty's 
Demand, tho' not in the fame Form. But it was con- 
ceived, unlefs this Offer, and the true Meaning thereof, 
ftiould be entered, as an A61, in the Lords Commiflioners 
of the Treafury's Books, it would be very difficult, at the 
Expiration of the five Years, to withdraw the Payment, 
but continuing fo long, it might be demanded for ever, as 
due from the Company to the King. They therefore ap- 
pointed a Committee, to repair to the Clerk of the Coun- 
cil, and to take Care, that this Bargain be exa6lly recorded, 
and alfo to procure a Copy of the faid Record, to be en- 
tered in the Company's Journals. But as to the Farm of 
the Impoft on Tobacco, the Refufal whereof the King, at 
the fame time, offered them, they held it inconvenient at 
prefent to be undertaken ; but not entirely to reje£l his 
Majefty's Offer, they permitted fome of their Society, to 
join for a Part, in the Company's Name, but in reality, 
for their own proper Ufe and Behoof. 

The 




Book III. "The History of VIRGINIA. 

The Trade of Virginia had been thus far reftrained, 
and kept in the Adventurers Hands, except a few Inter- 
lopers, that ftragaled in by Chance ; and the Method of ^j.'' '^"''^' 
carrying on this 1 rade was thus, bvery Adventurer, that Governor, 
pleafed, fubfcribed, what he thought proper, to a Roll ; 
which Money, together with a certain Sum perhaps, con- 
tributed out of the publick Cafli of the Company, made 
their Capital or Stock. With this they bought Goods, and 
fent them to the Cape-Merchant in Virginia^ who had, 
long before this, loft his original Office of being Keeper of 
the publick Storehoufes, and was become the Company's 
chief Failor. The Cape-Merchant, having fold thefe 
Goods to the Inhabitants, for Tobacco or other Commo- 
dities, remitted the EfFe£ls to England. This Society for 
Trade, called the iVIagazine, was a diftin6l Body from the 
publick Company ; but always under its Controle, as it re- 
ceived its Being and Authority from the Company, and as 
the Joint-Stock of the Company was always the greateft 
and principal Adventurer in it. Alderman Johnfon had 
ever been at the Head of this Magazine, under the Title of 
Direftor ; and fince the Removal of himfelf and Sir Thomas 
Smith from their Offices, it had been the Subjeft of much 
Fa6lion and Difcord. For they had made many Difficulties, 
in fubmitting to the Orders of the Company, concerning 
the Place of their Meetings ; had neglected to bring their 
Accounts to an Audit, tho' very clear and fairly kept ; and 
had delayed and kept off the making any Dividend ; which 
things had caufed much Difturbance and Diffenfion. To 
remove therefore fuch a Block of Offence, it was now a- 
greed to diffolve this Magazine, and to leave the Trade free 
and open to all ; only with this Provifo, that the Goods of 
the Magazine, then upon hand in Virginia., fhould be firft 
fold off, before any of the fame Kinds fhould be vended. 

But the Diligence, Vigor, and Fidelity of Sir Edwin 
Sandys.^ and of others of the Company, had now raifed the 
Reputation of the Action very high. And accordingly there 
had been prefented, by an unknown Perfon, the former 
Year, a Communion Cup, with a Cover and Cafe, a 
Trencher Plate for the Bread, a Carpet of Crimfon Velvet, 
and a Damafk Table-Cloth, for the Ufe of the College ; 
and another had given a fair Set of Plate, with other rich 
Ornaments, to Mrs. Mary Robinfon's Church, who had, 
the Year before, bequeathed two hundred Pounds, towards 
the Building of it. And now, in the Beginning of this 
Year, another unknown Perfon fent five hundred Pounds, 
dire6led ; To Sir Edwin Sandys, the faithful Treafurer of 
Virginia. This was for the Maintenance of a convenient 

Number 




The History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

Number of young Indians^ from feven or under, to twelve 
Years of Age, to be inftru6led in Reading and the Prin- 
ciples of the Chriftian Religion ; and then to be trained and 
brought up in fome lawful Trade, with all Gentlenefs and 
Humanity, till they attained the Age of twenty one ; and 
after that, to have and enjoy the like Liberties and Privi- 
leges, with the native Englifh in Virginia. And he likewife 
fent fifty Pounds, to be given into the Hands of two reli- 
gious and worthy. Perfons, who fhould, every Quarter, ex- 
amine and certify, to the Treafurer in England^ the due 
Execution of this Defign, together with the Names of the 
Children, and of their Tutors and Overfeers. This Cha- 
rity, the Company thought not proper, to entruft to private 
Hands, but committed the Management of it to Srnith'^ 
Hundred chiefly. This lay in the Parts above Hampton., 
up into Warwick., and was fo called, in Honour to Sir Tho- 
mas Smith. But after this, Sir Thomas., with the Earl of 
Warwick., and the reft of that Fa(5tion, fold out their Shares 
in this, and other private Plantations, and only referved 
their Part in the Company's publick Stock, in order to be 
prefent, and to have a Vote at their Courts. Wherefore, 
this was afterwards changed to the Name of Southampton 
Hundred ; either in Honour to the Earl of Southampton., 
their next Treafurer, or rather, as that Nobleman became 
the chief Adventurer , in the Plantation. And further, for 
the better procuring and retaining the Indian Children, the 
Company ordered a Treaty and Agreement to be made with 
Opechancanough., and authorifed Sir George Teardley., to 
make him fuch Prefents, out of the Magazine, as would 
be moft grateful to him, and beft promote the Defign. Mr. 
Nicholas Farrar., the Elder (Father, as I take it, to the 
prefent and fucceeding Deputy-Treafurer of the Company) 
alfo bequeathed three hundred Pounds, for converting In- 
fidel Children in Virginia. He ordered this to be paid into 
the Hands of Sir Edivin Sandys and Mr. John Farrar., at 
fuch time, as it fhould appear by Certificate, that ten In- 
dian Children were placed in the College ; and then, by 
them to be difpofed of, according to his true Intent and 
Meaning, And in the mean time, he obliged his Executors 
to pay eight per Cent, for the Money, to be given to three 
feveral honeft Men in Virginia., of good Life and Fame, 
and fuch as Sir Edwin Sandys and Mr. John Farrar fhould 
approve of, each to bring up one of the faid Children, in 
the Grounds and Principles of the Chriftian Religion. 

There was, at this time, a great Scarcity of Clergy in 
Virginia ; there being but five Minifters and eleven Bur- 
roughs, each of which, being fome very diftant from each 

other. 



Book III. 'The History of VIRGINIA. 173 

other, was ere6led into a diftin6t Parifli. The Company 1620. 

indeed had before, in their Charter by Sir George Teardley^ ^^ \^ ' 

taken Care of a handfome Provifion for the Clergy. Y ox"^^ ^'^°JZ' 
they had ordered an hundred Acres of Land, in each of the Governor- 
Burroughs, to be laid off for a Glebe ; and that there 
{hould, for their further Maintenance, be raifed a {landing 
and certain Revenue, out of the Profits of each Parifli, fo 
as to make every Living, at leaft two hundred Pounds Ster- 
ling a Year. And this Stipend I find, two Years after, fet- 
tled in the following Manner : That the Minifter (hould re- 
ceive Yearly fifteen hundred Weight of Tobacco, and fix- 
teen Barrels of Corn, which was then efl:imated at two 
hundred Pounds Sterling : That this fhould be raifed by ten 
Pounds of Tobacco and a Bufhel of Corn a Head, for every 
labouring Man or Boy, above fixteen Years of Age ; pro- 
vided, it did not exceed fifteen hundred Weight of To- 
bacco and fixteen Barrels of Corn : But if any Plantation 
was not able, to make up that Quantity, by ten Pounds of 
Tobacco and a Bufhel of Corn a Head, that, in fuch Cafe, 
the Minifter fhould be contented with lefs, according to 
the Number of Tithables. And now, for a farther En- 
couragement, that pious, learned, and painful Minifters 
might be invited to go over, the Company ordered fix Te- 
nants to be placed on each of thofe Glebes, at the publick 
Expence ; and they applied to the Bifhop of London^ for his 
Help and Afliftance in procuring proper Minifters, which 
his Lordfhip readily promifed, and undoubtedly performed. 
For he had ever been a great Favourer and Promoter of the 
Plantation, and had himfelf alone colle6led and paid in a 
thoufand Pounds towards the College ; which he would not 
permit the Company to diminifh, by a Prefent to his Re- 
gifter, who had been very a6live and ufeful in the Colle6tion. 
And for this, and other his Deferts towards them, he was 
made free of the Company, and chofen one of his Majefty's 
Council for Virgiyiia. 

As the Country was very defencelefs and unfortified, 
and as the Interefts and Improvements of the Inhabitants 
were now much encreafed, and become confiderable, they 
began to grow uneafy in that Particular ; and they wrote 
to the Treafurer and Company in England^ to procure them 
fkilful Engineers, to raife Fortifications ; promifing, them- 
felves to bear the Charge of it. Wherefore, to give them 
prefent Satisfa6lion, and as regular Fortifications, to endure 
Aflault and Battery, were not fo needful, as the chufing 
and improving fome Places of natural Strength and Advan- 
tage, Sir Thomas Gates was entreated by the Company, as 
well in Regard of his military Skill, as of his Knowledge of 

the 




The History of VIRGINIA. Book III. 

the Country, to write them his private Letters of Advice 
and Diredtion. And he was alfo defired, together with Sir 
Nathaniel R'lch^ to confer with General Cecil about it, a- 
nother eminent and military Member of their Society, and 
youngeft Son to the famous Lord Treafurer Burleigh^ who 
likewife promifed, if other Methods failed, to write them 
fuch particular Dire6tions and Inftru6lions, that they might 
eafily themfelves proceed. To them was afterwards added 
Sir Horatio Vere^ who was efteemed the Perfon of the 
greateft military Skill and Reputation of any in that un- 
warlike Age. He was therefore, this Summer, fent Com- 
mander of the fingle Regiment, which King James^ in his 
great Wifdom, thought fit to furnifli out, for the Relief 
and Support of his diftrefled Son in Law, the Palatine of the 
Rhine. For altho' General Cecil had been firft defigned for 
that Service, yet he was afterwards laid afide, and this Gen- 
tleman appointed in his Room, 

The Governor and Council, in Virginia^ had fettled 
and allowed certain Fees to the Secretary, which were, this 
Year, fent to England for Confirmation. But the Treafu- 
rer and Company were become, from the late Exa6tions, 
very jealous and cautious in that Point ; and did moreover 
judge thofe Fees to be very oppreflive and intolerable. And 
therefore, for the Eafe of the Colony, they declared, that 
the Secretary fliould receive no Fees at all ; but in Recom- 
pence of all Services, they allotted five hundred Acres of 
Land, for him and his Succeflbrs, with twenty Tenants 
thereon. This was laid off on the Eajiern Shore, and the 
Grant was afterwards enlarged. But whereas Captain Ar- 
gall^ in the time of his Sufpenfion from the Place of Admi- 
ral, had deputed Abraham Peirfey^ the Cape-Merchant, to 
be his Vice-Admiral, the Company declared that Deputa- 
tion, to be utterly void and unlawful, and committed the 
Execution of that Office, to the Governor and Council of 
State, and to fuch under them, as they ftiould authorife 
and appoint. 

There had been many fcandalous Reports fpread (as 
was intimated in a private Letter to Mr. Bland^ a very con- 
fiderable Merchant of the Company) of the Barrennefs and 
Infertility of the Soil in Virginia. And it alfo had been one 
efpecial Piece of Captain Argall's Policy, in order to dif- 
hearten and difgrace the Company, to vilify the Country, 
both by himfelf and his Engines, and to reprefent it as lefs 
fertile, than the moft barren arable Lands in England. And 
altho' thefe Afperfions were fufficiently contradicted by his 
own former Letters and Reports, yet, for a fuller Anfwer 
to them, a Commiflion was fent to Virginia., and a Return 

made 



Book III. "The History of VIRGINIA. 175 

made upon Oath, of the Strength and Goodnefs of the Soil. 1620. 

But as Malice is more induftrious than Truth, thefe un-^ v ' 

juft Scandals prevailed but too much, and difcouraged many ^"^ ^"''i' 
Adventurers from making their Tranfportations. To ob- Governor, 
viate therefore all fuch ill Confequences, it v/as refolved 
upon the Motion, and committed to the Care, of Sir Ed- 
win Sandys and Dr. Winjlone^ to prepare and publifh a fmall 
Book, containing a Refutation of all fuch flanderous Re- 
ports ; and to adjoin, at the End, an alphabetical Index of 
the Adventurers Names. This laft had a double Ufe. For, 
in the firft Place, it did great Honour to the Enterprife, 
by (hewing, that many of the chief Perfons in the Nation, 
for Wifdom, Fortune, and Dignity, were deeply concerned 
in, and great Encouragers of it. And next, as this Index 
was drawn from Sir Thomas Smith's Books, which were 
very carelefly kept and incorrect, it .gave the Alarm to all 
fuch, as had paid in their Monies to him, and found them- 
felves omitted in this Lift. And it accordingly made them 
bring in his Receipts, or Bills of Adventure ; whereby ma- 
ny Sums of Money appeared to have been received by him, 
which could otherwife never have been made out by his 
Books, or proved by any other Method. 




THE 



176 



v^-^Q?5Q< 



•58?^2 






THE 

HISTORY 

OF 
VIRGINIA, 

BOOK IV. 




H E Time of Sir Edivin Sandy s^s Office being 
expired, there was held a great and general 
Quarter Court of Election, at Mr. Deputy 
Farrar'% Houfe, in St. Sithe's Lane, on the 17th 
of May^ confifting of three Earls, one Vifcount, 
four Lords, thirty Knights, feveral Doftors and Efquires, 
and largely above an hundred other Gentlemen, Merchants, 
and Citizens. To this fplendid Meeting, Sir Edwin Sandys 
made a long and very handfome Speech, laying before them 
the State of their Affairs, at the time of his Acceflion to the 
Office of Treafurer, and then. In this he was naturally led 
to fet forth, as well the Negligence and bad Government 
at home, as particularly the vaft Lofs and Damage, which 
the Company had fuftained, in the Time of their Deputy 
Governor, Captain Argall. And he informed them, that 
there had, within his Year, been fet out eight Ships at the 
Company's Expence, and four others by private Adventu- 
rers ; and that thefe Ships had tranfported twelve hundred 
and fixty one Perfons, whereof fix hundred and fifty were 
for the publick Ufe, and the other fix hundred and eleven 
for private Plantations. He alfo gave them an Account of 
the feveral Gifts, which had been made, this Year, for 
pious Ufes; and of the many Patents, that had paffed to 
various private Adventurers and their Affociates, who had 

under- 



Book IV. rhe History ?/" VIRGINIA. 177 

undertaken, to tranfport to Firginia great Multitudes of 1620. 
People, with much Cattle. And he recounted to them '^" — y — -^ 
the feveral Methods, which had been taken, to draw the^'' ^^°''^' 
People off from their greedy and immoderate Purfuit of To- Governor 
bacco, and to turn them to other more ufeful and neceflliry 
Commodities : That for this Purpofe, an hundred and fifty 
Perfons had been fent, to fet up three Iron Works : That 
Directions had been given for making Cordage, as well of 
Hemp and Flax, as more efpecially of Silk-grafs, which 
grew there naturally in great Abundance, and was found, 
upon Experience, to make the beft Cordage and Line in 
the World ; and that therefore each Family had been or- 
dered and obliged, to fet an hundred Plants of it, and the 
Governor himfelf five thoufand : That, befides, it had been 
recommended to them, to make Pitch and Tar, together 
with Pot and Soap-Afhes, and to provide Timber of all 
Sorts, for Shipping, and other Ufes; to which End, fuffi- 
cient Men and Materials had been fent over, for creeling 
fundry Sawing-Mills : That the Country abounding in Mul- 
berry Trees of the befl Sort, whereon fome Silkworms had 
been found naturally, producing excellent Silk, they had 
therefore preffed upon them the Culture and Improvement 
of that Manufacture ; and that his Majefty, now the fecond 
time, after the Mifcarriage of the former, had beftowed 
upon the Company Plenty of Silkworm Seed, of the beft 
Sort, out of his own Store : That moreover, as the Coun- 
try yielded naturally a wonderful Variety of excellent Grapes, 
there had been fent divers fkilful Vignerons, together with 
Store of Vine Slips, of the beft European Kinds : And laft- 
ly, that the Salt- Works, which had been fuffered to run 
to Decay, were again reftored and fet up ; and that 
there were now Hopes of fuch Plenty, as not only to ferve 
the Colony for the prefent, but alfo ftiortly to fupply the 
great Fifhery on thofe American Coafts. 

H E then exhibited to the Court the Book of his Accounts, 
examined and approved by five of the feven publick Auditors 
of the Company, the other two being abfent. And he fur- 
ther declared, that for any Bufinefs, done within his Year, 
he had not left the Company, to his Knowledge, one Pen- 
ny in Debt, except perhaps the Remain of fome Charges, 
which had not been delivered in, or were not yet become 
due \ and that he had alfo left in Stock twelve hundred 
Pounds more, than had been left to him the former Year. 
And next, he proceeded to inform the Company of the De- 
puty's Accounts, who himielf prefented them, exa<£fly kept, 
after the Manner of Merchants, in three Books, fubfcribed 
and approved, as well by the Company's Committees, as 
25 N all 




r/je History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

all the Auditors. And then Sir Edwin Sandys went on, and 
told the Court, that he could not but greatly commend Mr. 
Deputy-Treafurer's Fidelity, Care, and Induftry ; who, to 
the Negle6t of his own private Affairs, had beftowed his 
whole Time, together with the great Help and Afliftance 
of his Brothers, on the Bufinefs of his Office, which he had 
difcharged, with wonderful Exadnefs, and an incredible 
Diligence and Labour. And laftly, he concluded, with his 
refpe6live Thanks to the feveral Orders of the Company : 
Firft, to the Company in general, for their good Opinion 
and Affe6l.ion, in chufing him their Treafurer : Then, par- 
ticularly to the Lords, for their frequent Prefence, to the 
great Grace and Honour of the Court, and Furtherance of 
the Enterprife : Next, to the Officers, for their Fidelity and 
Diligence, in joining with him to fupport the great Burthen 
of the Company's Bufinefs: And laftly, to the Court, for 
their Goodnefs and Patience, in bearing with his involuntary 
Errors and other Infirmities. After which, delivering up 
his Office, together with the Seals, he defired them to pro- 
ceed to their Ele61:ion, according to the Meflage, lately re- 
ceived from his Majefly ; and thereupon withdrew himfelf 
out of Court. 

For at the Beginning of this Court, before they had en- 
tered upon any Bufinefs, a Gentleman from the King pre- 
fented himfelf to the Board, and fignified ; that it was his 
Majefty's Pleafure, out of his efpecial Care and AfFe6tion for 
the Colony, that the Company fhould ele6l one of the four, 
which he fhould name to them, and no other, to be their 
Treafurer. Thefe were Sir Thomas Smithy Sir Thomas Roe^ 
Mr. Alderman Johnfon^ and Mr. Maurice Abbot. Sir Tho- 
mas S?nith and Alderman Johnfon had before been in their 
chief Offices, and the Company conceived themfelves to 
have little Reafon, to be fatisfied with their Condud: and 
Proceedings. But in Firginia more efpecially, where the 
Effects of their Management had been more fenfibly felt, 
they were notorioufly infamous, and utterly detefted and 
curfed by the whole Colony. So that this may be looked 
upon, as an additional Inflance of the unhappy Turn of that 
Monarch, in his Choice of publick Officers. Sir Thomas 
Roe was indeed an eminent Perfon, a Man of Letters, and 
a very great Traveller, and is well known to the Learned, by 
the Intimacy and Dearnefs, that was between him and Dr. 
Donne, Dean of St. Paul's; who was himfelf afterwards 
one of the Company, and of his Majefty's Council for Fir- 
ginia. But Sir Thomas Roe is moft noted, for his Embafty 
from King James to the Court of the Great Mogul, and for 
his Journal of that EmbalFy, a moft judicious and exquifite 

Book 




Book IV. rZv History of VIRGINIA. 

Book of Travels. But fince his Return from the Great 
Mogul's Court, he had been concerned in the Cuftoms, and ' 
was Hkewife well known, to have had a long and intimate ^^ *^j/'^' 
Friendfliip with Sir Thomas Smith \ both which, being fuf- Governor, 
picious Circumftances to the Virginia Company, would but 
little contribute towards recommending him to their Choice. 
As to A-lr. Abbot ^-^xViXz is known of him ; only that he was 
a Merchant, and may feem, from fome obfcure Circum- 
ftances, to have been of Kin to his Grace, Dr. George Ab- 
bot^ then Archbifhop of Canterbury. 

But the greateft Obftacle, to the Ele6lion of either of 
thefe Gentlemen, was, that the Company had, almoft una- 
nimoufly, caft their Eye upon the Earl of Southampton for 
their future Treafurer, a Nobleman of eminent Quality, 
Grandfon to the Lord Chanceller Wrlothejly (one of King 
Henry VIII's Executors, and of the Regents during the 
Minority of Edward VI.) and Father to the great and vir- 
tuous Earl and Duke of Southa7npton^ in the Reigns of 
Charles the Firfl: and Second. He is alfo famed in Hiftory, 
for his Friendlhip to the unfortunate Earl of .£^x, by whofe 
Rafhnefs and Impetuofity, he was betrayed into fome un- 
warrantable A6tions ; and was therefore, at the fame time 
with that Nobleman, condemned to Death, but pardoned 
by Queen Elifabeth^ and kept in Prifon, during her Life. 
He was, in Truth, an early, conftant, and great Encou- 
rager of this Settlement of Virginia., as well as of all other 
noble Works and Enterprifes ; and is particularly memora- 
ble, for his generous Patronage, and fingular Munificence, 
to Shake/pear., the Glory and Prodigy of the Englijh Stage. 
For he is faid, to have given him, at one time, a thoufand 
Pounds, to enable him to go through with a Purchafe, 
which he underftood, he had an Inclination to make. But 
altho' he had been a ftrenuous Friend of EJfex'%.^ to all 
whom King fames declared a particular Regard and Obli- 
gation, as that Lord was thought to have aded for his In- 
terefts, and altho' he was admitted of the Privy Council, 
yet was he but little affected or liked at Court. For his 
Friendfliip to the former Earl of EJfex was continued down 
to his Son ; whofe hard Ufage, in fome Meafure from the 
Court, in the Cafe of his Wife, could not but have been 
muchdifapproved and difgufted by him. And befides, a- 
bout this Time, the Encroachments of the Prerogative, 
and the avowed Principles of arbitrary Power, began to 
raife a Spirit of Liberty in the Nation ; and the Earl of 
Southampton., together with the Earls of EJfex and Oxford., 
were foon diitinguiihed, as the undoubted Heads of the 
patriot Party in the Houfe of Lords ; whilft Sir Dudley 
N 2 Digges., 




The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

Digges^ Sir Nathaniel Rich^ Mr, Selden^ and others of 
the Firginia Company, as well as divers Members not of 
that Company, appeared with equal Vigor and Refolution, 
in the Houfe of Commons. 

But however the AfFe6lions of the Company might 
ftand, they were much troubled and perplexed, by this 
Meflage from the King. For {hould they proceed accord- 
ing to that Nomination, they would certainly admit a very 
great and evident Breach, in their Privilege of free Ele6tion. 
And fhould they reje(5l it, they might incur the Sufpicion 
of Defe6l in Point of Duty and Obedience ; an Imputation, 
ever hateful and eafy of Accefs to the jealous Minds of weak 
and pufillanimous Princes, and which many of their own 
difaffe6led Members would be too ready to improve, to the 
Difadvantage of the Company. Having therefore confulted 
the Letters patent, it was at length agreed to adjourn to 
Eleftion to the next Quarter Court ; and after much and 
earnefl; Refufal, they prevailed on Sir Edwin Sandys^ to 
continue in his Office, till that time. In the mean while, 
as it evidently appeared, that the King had been much a- 
bufed and mifinformed, concerning the Management of 
their Affairs, they appointed the Earl of Southampton^ the 
Vifcount Doncajhr^ Lord Cavendijh^ Lord Sheffield^ Sir 
yohn Davers^ Sir Nicholas Tufton^ Sir Lawrence Hyde^ with 
others. Gentlemen and Merchants, to deliver in, to his 
Majefty, a full and true Account, as well of the former, as 
of the laft Year's Adminiftration of their Affairs ; and to 
befeech his Majefty, not to take from them the Privilege of 
their Charters, but to leave it to their own Choice, to have 
a free Ele6lion. To which Requeft, his Majefty readily 
condefcended ; and farther fignified, that it would be highly 
pleafing and agreeable to him, if they made Choice of fuch 
a Perfon, as mighc^ at all times, and on all Occafions, have 
free Accefs to his Royal Prefence. And he likewife de- 
clared, that the Meffenger, in excluding them from the Li- 
berty of chufing any other, but one of the four nominated, 
had miftaken his Intention ; which was indeed, to recom- 
mend thofe Gentlemen to their Choice, but not fo, as to 
bar the Company from the Eleilion of any other. 

This Anfwer being received by the Company with great 
Thankfulnefs, Mr. Herbert obferved to them, that [their 
Bufinefs had, of late, fuffered much, as well in Reputation, 
as otherways, by Reafon of fome unhappy Diffenfions a- 
mong them : That they ought, therefore, ferioufly to think, 
of applying a prefent and effectual Remedy to this Evil : 
That the late Treafurer was a Gentleman of fuch acknow- 
ledged Sufficiency, and of fo great Integrity and Induftry, 

that 



Book. IV. TZv History of VIRGINIA. 181 

that of his Rank, there could not certainly be any found to ^620. 

furpafs him : That therefore, there feemed to him no Hope " r"-^ 

left, except fome of thofe honourable Perfonages, then ^}^ Geo'-ge 
prefent, would vouchfafe to accept of the Place of Trea- Governor. 
furer ; who, by the Addition of Nobility, and by the Luf- 
tre and Influence of their high Station, might efFeit that, 
which, they had found by Experience, could not be efFe6t- 
ed, by mere Dint of Ability and Induftry. Hereupon, the 
whole Court, befeeching his Lordfhip to redeem this noble 
Enterprife from imminent Danger and Defl:ru6tion, did, 
with univerfal Joy and Applaufe, nominate the Earl of 
Southampton ; and to teftify their Thankfulnefs and Refpe6l, 
they eleded him Treafurer, without the Ballot, by a gene- 
ral Acclamation and Erection of Hands. And his Lordfliip, 
after a (hort Paufe, declared his Acceptance ; and exhorted 
them all, to put on the fame Mind, with which he accept- 
ed that Place, and laying afide all private Feuds and Animo- 
fities, to labour chearfuUy and unanimoufly, for the Promo- 
tion of the publick Good, and the Advancement of the Co- 
lony. But as his Lordfliip's Attendance in Parliament, and 
other weighty Affairs, might not always permit him, to be 
fo conftant at their Courts, as might otherwife be wiftied, 
they voluntarily, and without his Motion, difpenfed with 
him, in that Particular. And they alfo re-ele6led Mr. 
John Farrar^ to the Place of Deputy-Treafurer ; whofe 
Experience, and known Integrity and Diligence, might 
well fupply the occafional Abfence of their Treafurer. Sir 
Ediuin Sandys likewife, who was in a clofe and intimate 
Friendfhip with the Earl of Southampton^ was afterwards 
authorifed, at his Lordfliip's Defire, to fet his Hand, upon 
Occafion, to Receipts of Money, for the Company's Ufe ; 
and did otherwife, by his private Diligence and A6tivity, 
give him great Eafe and AlTiftance, in the Execution of the 
Office. 

Captain BrewJIer's Appeal from the Sentence of the 
Court-Martial, in Virginia^ had, all this while, hung in 
Sufpence ; and it had even been declared, by a Meeting of 
the Council at the Earl of tFarwick's Houfe, the former 
Year, that Trial by Martial Law was the nobleft kind of 
Trial, being judged by Soldiers and Men of Honour. But 
now, proper Certificates and attefted Copies of the Proceed- 
ings being returned from Virginia^ the Caufe came to a final 
Hearing and Determination, in an extraordinary Court, 
held for that Purpofe, and compofed of feveral Lords and 
others of eminent Quality and Difl:in61:ion. But here there 
feems to have reigned a quite different Spirit from that, 
which appeared at the Earl of Warwick's. For they were 
N3 ^ no 



[82 'The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

1620. no way inclined, to give up the many Rights and Advan- 

■: ' tages of Juries and the Laws of England^ for the extraordi- 

jir George j^^j-y Privilege of being fummarily tried by Martial Law, 
governor- ^"^ ^Y'^g honourably by the Verdi6l of Gentlemen of 
the Sword. And therefore, being fhocked at the Cruelty 
and Terror of the Proceedings againft Captain Brewjier^ 
they declared them to be unjuft and unlawful, and not war- 
rantable, either in Matter or Form, by the Laws of En- 
gland^ or by any Power or Authority, derived from his Ma- 
jefty's Charters : That Captain Brewjhr had committed 
nothing, any way worthy of the fevere Penalty of Death : 
That the Manner of Trial by Martial Law, in time of 
Peace, and when there was no Mutiny or Rebellion, was 
utterly unlawful and of no Validity : And confequently, 
that Captain Breiujier was to be held a legal Man, and not 
lawfully condemned. And all this then paffed and was ra- 
tified by the univerfal Aflent of the Court ; altho' Sir Thoinas 
Wroth^ who had married the Earl of Wariuick's Sifter, did, 
in a fubfequent Court, declare his Diflent, on fome falfe 
and frivolous Pretences. Captain Brewjler had alfo, upon 
his Requeft, a Copy of this A61 of Court granted him, ex- 
emplified under the legal Seal of the Company ; of which 
he fent a Duplicate to Firginia. 

I N May this Year, there was held another General Af- 
fembly, which has, through Miftake, and the Indolence and 
Negligence of our Hiftorians, in fearching fuch ancient Re- 
cords, as are ftill extant in the Country, been commonly 
reputed the firft General Affembly of Virginia, But that 
Privilege was granted fooner, immediately upon the Difguft 
taken, by the worthier Part of the Company, at Sir Thomas 
Smith's ill Government, and the infufFerable Tyranny and 
Iniquity of Captain ArgaWs Proceedings. And upon Sir 
George Teardley's Reprefentation of the Want of more 
Counfellors, the Company appointed the following Gentle- 
men to be of the Council j Mr. George Thorpe^ Deputy for 
the College ; Mr. Thomas Newce^ who had alio been fent 
over Deputy for the Company's Lands, with the Allow- 
ance of twelve hundred Acres, and forty Tenants ; Mr. 
Tracy; Mr. Pountis ; Mr. Middleton ; Mr. Bluet; and 
Mr. Harwood^ the Chief of Martin's Hundred. And we 
are likewife told by Mr. Beverley,, that a Dutch Ship, put- 
ting in this Year, fold twenty Negroes to the Colony, 
which were the firft of that Generation, that were ever 
brought to Virginia. 

Tobacco, a ftinking, naufeous, and unpalatable Weed, 
is certainly an odd Commodity, to make the Staple and 
Riches of a Country. It is neither of Neceflity nor Orna- 
ment 




Book IV. The History of VIRGINIA. 

ment to human Life ; but the Ufe of it depends upon Hu- 
mour and Cuftom, and may be looked upon, as one of the 
moft fingular and extraordinary Pieces of Luxury, that the ^"^ '^^j''^^ 
Wantonnefs of Man hath yet invented or given into. It is Governor. 
not therefore to be wondered, that the Colony's Eagernefs 
and Application, almoft folely, to Tobacco, was much 
diftafted and oppofed by the Company ; efpecially in thofe 
early Times, before it had yet obtained fuch a general Re- 
ception and Dominion in the World. To which may be 
added, that the King himfelf, to whom the Age in general, 
and the Company in particular, did, on many Occafions, 
pay great Deference, had a Sort of natural Antipathy to it, 
and was perpetually haranguing, railing, and even writing 
againft it. For that Solomon of England thought it not be- 
low his Royal Wifdom and Dignity, to write a Treatife, 
entitled ; A Counter-Blaji to Tobacco. The Company there- 
fore entered into and admitted various Proje61:s, for railing 
other things of more immediate Neceffity and Benefit to 
Mankind; fuch as the feveral Commodities, mentioned and 
recommended by Sir Edivin Sandys^ in his late Speech, at 
the delivering up of his Office, with many others. For this 
Purpofe, they procured plenty of Silkworm Seed out of 
France^ Italy., and Spain ; and fent over a Perfon, who had 
been brought up, many Years, in tending the King's Silk- 
worms at Oatlands., and was thereby become very fkilful, 
in breeding the Worms, and winding the Silk, and under- 
took to inftru6l others therein. And they alfo laid out for, 
and had Hopes of procuring, many more fuch fkilful Artifts 
from France. And as the Inhabitants were very eager, to 
have the Servants and Apprentices, fent over by the Com- 
pany, they made an Order, for the greater Encouragement 
of thefe Commodities, that fuch Planters, as had excelled, 
in building fit Rooms for Silkworms, and in planting Mul- 
berry Trees and Vines, (hould have the firft Choice of fuch 
Apprentices and Servants ; and that the Company would 
be paid for them, not a Whit in Smoke and Tobacco, but 
in Corn, Silkgrafs, Silk, and other fuch ufeful Commo- 
dities. At Sir Edwin Sandys'^ Motion, there was likewife 
tranflated, by fome of the Company, a French Treatife (re- 
commended, as excellent in that Kind) concerning the 
Management of Mulberry Trees and Silk ; which was print- 
ed at the Company's Expence, and fent over in fufficient 
Numbers, and diftributed among the People. And they 
alfo appointed a fele6l Committee of Merchants, to rate all 
thofe feveral Commodities at fuch a juft Price, that the 
Company and Merchants might be no Lofers thereby, and 
yet that the Planter might have good Encouragement to 
raife them. N 4 Be- 




The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

Besides thefe, they entered into Proje(3:s and Con- 
tracts, for raifing various other Commodities. And Sir 
Edwin Sandys in particular, who was ever ftudious and in- 
defatigable in the Company's Bufinefs, prefented a long and 
judicious Writing, containing many ufeful Inftru6lions and 
Projects, for the Peace and better Government of the Com- 
pany at home, and for the Advancement of the Colony 
abroad ; all which, in its feveral Parts and Branches, was 
entrufted to proper Committees, to ripen and bring into 
Execution. Sir WiUiam Monfon alfo, a Perfon of great E- 
minence and Note (being Admiral in the Reigns of Queen 
EUfaheth^ James I. and Charles I. and Author of the Naval 
Tradts) together with his AfTociates, offered to the Com- 
pany, if they would, for feven Years, grant them the fole 
Benefit and Importation, from Virginia^ of two fuch new 
Commodities, as had not yet been difcovered or planted by 
any other, to pay them an hundred Pounds per Anniim^ to 
plant twenty five Men, every Year during the faid Term, 
and then to refign the Whole up into the Company's Hands. 
A Patent was therefore accordingly granted, with proper 
Reftri6tions ; but what thefe Commodities were,- or what 
was the Succefs or Confequence of this Undertaking, I do 
not find. 

This Year 1620, Count Gondomar^ the Spanijh Am- 
baflador, who had a great Afcendant at Court, and governed 
the King, as he pleafed, prevailed with him, to fit out a 
Squadron, of fix Ships of War and twelve ftout Merchant- 
men, in order to humble the Algerines^ who then infefted 
the SpaniJJj Coafts and Trade, but were not any way parti- 
cularly troublefome to our Nation. And thus was this weak 
and timorous Prince, who could not be drawn to make any 
Steps, towards the Vindication of his own Honour, or to 
fupport the Rights of his Family, or the Interefts of his 
Subjects, ftrangely engaged in a warlike Expedition, in De- 
fence of a treacherous and delufive Ally. This Squadron 
was put under the Command of Sir Robert Manfel^ as Ad- 
miral ; together with whom. Sir Richard Hawkins^ Vice- 
Admiral, Sir Thomas Button^ Rear-Admiral, Sir Henry 
Palmer^ Arthur Manwaring^ and Thomas Love^ Efqrs. 
Captains of the other Men of War, and Samuel Argall^ Efq; 
who commanded one of the ftouteft Privateers, were ap- 
pointed a Council of War. But this Enterprife was very 
weakly managed ; and to ufe Sir William Monfon % Remark, 
altho' it was defigned to find out and deftroy the Pirates of 
Algiers^ yet the fleet did not fpend twenty Days at Sea, the 
whole time, they continued in the Mediterranean! ; but re- 
tired into Harbour, where the Pirates might find them, but 

not 



Book IV. rhc History of VIRGINIA. 185 

not they the Pirates, So that, this ill-condu6ted A6lion 1620. 

afforded fufficient Subje6i: of Scorn and Laughter to all Na-''" v ' 

tions ; efpeciallv confiderino- the 2;reat Reputation, the £'?z-^'' ^';f^^ 
ghjl) had jultly gamed, \n their former Expeditions at bea. Governor. 
But Cambden tells us, that, in Revenge for this Injury and 
Aflault, the Algerines took, by the 9th of Odoher follow- 
ing, thirty five Sail of Engl'iJ]) and Scotch Ships. 

About this time, there arofe a warm Difpute between 
the two Colonies, concerning the Virginia Company's Right 
to filli at Cape Cod^ within the Limits of the Northern Colo- 
ny ; and upon Reference to the Letters-patent, it was found 
clearly, that their Pretenfions were juftly grounded. But 
Sir Ferdinando Gorges^ with others principally concerned in 
the Northern Grant, endeavoured privately to obtain a new 
Patent, whereby the Southern Colony fliould be utterly ex- 
cluded from fifhing upon that Coaft, without their Leave 
and Licence firfl obtained. This gave a jufl Alarm to the 
/7r^/w',7 Company. Forbefides fix thoufand Pounds, which 
they had already expended upon that Fifliery, it was at pre- 
fent of main Confequence to them, as well for the Support 
and Sustenance of the Plantation, as for defraying the vaft 
Charge of Shipping and Tranfportation of People, by Re- 
turns made from thence in Fifh. They therefore applied 
to his Majefty, and got this Patent of Sir Ferdinando Gor- 
ges flopped and fequeftered, in the Lord Chancellor's Hands. 
And finding, how precarious their Privileges were, upon his 
Majeftv's ibleGrant,and how liable to be perpetually violated 
and impeded, it was refolved, upon the Motion of Mr. 
Smithy a fenfible, worthy, and ufeful Member of the Com- 
pany, to obtain a new Grant, with all fuch further Immu- 
nities, and larger Privileges, as were fitting and requiiite, 
and to have it ftrengthened and confirmed in the Parlia- 
ment, which was to meet foon after ; and upon the Earl 
of South afuptoii^s. Application to his Majefliy, he readily gave 
his Confent to it. But notwithstanding the Earl of Sou- 
tha?npton''s. Intereft and Endeavours, and Sir Edwin Sandys's 
great Pains and Induftry therein, it was never brought to 
any final IfTue or Conclufion. 

But the Remedy, propofed by Mr. Herbert^ iox curing 
the Fa6i:ions and Difcords of the Company, by fetting a 
Nobleman of eminent Diftin6lion and Authority at. the Head 
of their Affairs, was far from having the intended Effeii:. 
For their Animofities and Diffenfions grew higher, towards 
the latter End of this Year, and never ended, but with the 
Diffolution of the Company. As therefore they were the 
chief Occafion and Pretence of that Diffolution, it will not 
be improper here, to give a fuller and more diftindl Ac- 
count of them. Be- 




-The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

Besides the Affairs of the Magazine, which, notwith- 
ftanding its Diffolution, ftill afforded Matter of Contention, 
Sir George j-j^gj-g vv^ere two Other principal Subjects of Difpute and Con- 
Governor, fufion in the Company ; the fettling Sir "Thomas STnith's Ac- 
counts, and the Profecution of Captain Argall^ for his many- 
Outrages and exorbitant Proceedings in Virginia. Sir Tho- 
mas Smith had been Treafurer, from the firft Conftitution 
of the Company in the Year 1606, till April 28, 1619; 
and in that time, there had paffed through his Hands about 
eighty thoufand Pounds. He had, in thofe Days, a very 
great Intereft and Sway in the Company ; and to put the 
beft Conftruftion upon the Matter, he never expefted to 
be called to a ftri6l and rigorous Account, and his Servants 
had been very carelefs and remifs, in keeping his Books. 
But feveral of the Company fufpe6led, that he had embez- 
zled and converted much of the publick Money, to his 
own private Ufe ; and were therefore very eager, to bring 
him to an Account. Sir Thomas., on his Side, was very fair 
in his Profeffions, and preffed, with much Warmth, the 
full Settlement and finifhing the Affair; offering to pay, not 
only what fhould appear due from himfelf, but whatever 
Wrong or Damage fhould have happened to the Company, 
from his Under-Officers or Servants. But then his Receipts 
were fo very faulty and deficient, and his Difburfements fo 
I void of all Warrant and proper Vouchers, that the Com- 
pany's Auditors, although they took much Pains, could 
bring nothing to a Head ; and the whole only ferved, to 
adminifter frefli Fuel to Animofities and Quarrels, without 
any Profpe£l of coming to a fatisfa6lory Conclufion. 
; As to Captain Jrgall^ altho' he was under Profecution 
from the Company, yet by his Craft and Management, by 
;the Power and Influence of his Friends, by his (hifting and 
turning, and by going on the Expedition againft the Alge- 
rines^ he fo fhuffled and perplexed the Company, that he 
at laft efcaped, without any Punifliment or Reftitution at all. 
And altho' Sir Thoinas Smith., overpowered with the Juftice 
and Neceffity of the thing, had :|i^jte|j;ommenced the Profe- 
cution againff him, yet beiagj^^J^" Fellow-Sufferers, and 
equally aggrieved at the prefent upright and vigorous Ad- 
miniftration of the Company's Affairs, they joined Forces, 
and did every thing in their Power, to difgrace, and vilify, 
and retard the Succefs of the Enterprife. The principal 
Perfons of their Fa6lion were, the Earl of Warwick \ Sir 
Nathaniel Rich., the Earl's Brother ; Sir Tho?nas Wroth., who 
was nearly allied to them by Marriage ; Sir John Woljien- 
holme., a wealthy Merchant and a Farmer of the Cuftoms ; 
with Alderman Johnfon., Mr. Canning., and Mr. Ejjington.^ 

three 




Book IV. TZv History of VIRGINIA. 

three fadlious Citizens, and others of lefs Note, to the 
Number of twenty fix in the whole, when their Faftion' 
was ftrono-efl: ; a very inconfiderable Party, had they not '^^ George 

I 1 T- in ,- IT-- 111 leardUf, 

gained the Lar and Support of a weak King, who had a Qgygrnor. 
wonderful Inftine't and Propenfity to the wrong Side of every 
Qiieftion, and with much Formality of Wifdom and Learn- 
ing, for ever mirtook the true Intereft of himfelf and his 
Subje6ls. On the other Side appeared the Earl of Southamp- 
ton^ the Earl of Dorfet^ the Earl of Devonjhire^ the Vif- 
count DoncaJIer^ Lord CavendiJJ)^ Lord Sheffield^ Lord 
Paget^ Sir Edward Sackvil^ Sir Dudley Digges^ Sir Edwin 
Sandys^ Sir yohn Davers^ Sir Samuel Sandys^ with a long 
Roll .of others, and in fhort, the whole Body of Adventu- 
rers in general, which confifted of near fifty Noblemen, fome 
hundreds of Knights, and many hundreds of Gentlemen, 
eminent Merchants, and Citizens, to the full Amount of 
a thoufand Perfons in all. But none a6led in the Support of 
Truth and Jullice, with greater Spirit and Vigor, than the 
Lord Cavendijh^ afterwards Earl of Devonjlnre^ and Sir 
Edward Sackvil. The former was a young Nobleman of 
much Generofity, Spirit, and Eloquence ; and he fucceeded 
Sir Thomas S)nith^ in the Place of Governor to the Somer- 
IJlands Company. The latter, who afterwards became 
Earl of Dorfet^ was the Perfon of the greateft Fame in that 
Age, for a facetious Vivacity, fparkling Wit, and undaunt- 
ed Courage, joined to a found and comprehenfive Under- 
ftanding, and an excellent Turn for Bufinefs. He was one 
of the firft, that raifed the Reputation of the Dorfet Family, 
for Wit and Exaftnefs of Tafte and Difcernment ; but is 
beft known to common Readers, for his Duel with Lord 
Bruce, which is related in my Lord Clarendon and the Guar- 
dian, Books defervedly popular and in the Hands of every 
Body. And as he appeared thus early in the Caufe of the 
Colony (for fuch is it owned to be by our Aflemblies of thofe 
times) fo did he continue, to the laft, a conftant Friend and 
Favourer of Virginia. 

As Sir George Teardley had exprefled his Defire to leave 1621. 
the Government, at the Expiration of his CommifTion, 
which would be in the November following, the Earl of 
Southampton recommended to the Company the Confidera- 
tion of a proper Perfon, to fucceed him. His Lordfhip pro- 
pofed to their Choice Sir Francis JVyat, a young Gentleman, 
thought every way fufficient and equal to the Place, and 
highly efteemed, as he faid, on Account of his Birth, Edu- 
cation, Integrity of Life, and fair Fortune, However, he 
earneftly prelfed on the Company the Nomination of fuch 
other Perfon or Perfons, as they (hould think proper, to 

ftand 




rbe History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

{land in Election with him. But no other being fo much 
as named, Sir Francis Wyat was chofen Governor, to take 
his Place at the Expiration of Sir George Teardley'% Com- 
miflion, and not before. And to do him the greater Grace 
and Honour, as well as the better to enable and encourage 
him in the Execution of his Office, they elected him' one 
of his Majefty's Council in England for Virginia. They 
alfo allowed him two hundred Pounds, for all necellary 
Provifions for his Voyage, with the free tranfport of him- 
felf and Attendants, provided they did not exceed the Num- 
ber of twenty Perfons. 

Dr. Lawrence Bobiw., who had left Virginia in the Year 
i6ii, with the Lord Delazvarr., had now obtained a large 
Grant of Land, for the Tranfportation of three hundred 
Perfons. He was alfo appointed the Company's Phyfician- 
General to the Colony, with the Allowance of five hundred 
Acres of Land and twenty Tenants ; under Covenant, to 
maintain and miake them good, from time to time, and at 
his Deceafe, or other Removal, to leave the like Number 
of Men and Stock of Cattle, as was allowed by the Compa- 
ny, and by them annexed to the Place. He accordingly fet 
fail, in the Beginning of February., with eighty Paflengers, 
in a Ship of an hundred and fixty Tons and eight Iron Guns 
and a Falcon, commanded by Captain Anthony Chejier. 
But about the Middle of March., they were attacked, near 
Nevis in the J V eft-Indies., by two Spanifi Men of War, of 
three hundred Tons and fixteen or twenty Brafs Cannon 
apeice. The Fight was fliarp and defperate ; but the En- 
gliJJ) fo beftowed their Shot, and managed the Engagement 
with fuch Dexterity and Bravery, that the Spaniards were 
glad to ftand aloof, and after following them a Day or two, 
without any other remarkable Annoyance, at laft fell aftern, 
and left them. There was made a very great Slaughter of 
the Spaniards., fo that their Scupples ran with Blood ; and 
the Captain of the Admiral-Ship, who acSled the Part of a 
brave Commander, was flain. On the Engli/I) Side, ten 
were killed ; among whom was Dr. Bohun., whofe Death 
was greatly lamented. He had ftudied long among the 
learned Phyficians of the Loxv -Countries., and behaved him- 
felf in this Battle, like a worthy and valiant Gentleman. 
In his Room, Mr. "John Pot was elefted, by the Company, 
Phyfician-General to the Colony. He was recommended 
by Dr. Guljione., an eminent Member of their Society, as 
a Mafter of Arts, well practiced in Chirurgery and Phvfic, 
and expert in Chym.ical Proceffes and other ingenious Parts 
of his Profelfion ; whofe Service, he therefore conceived, 
would be of great Ufe to the Colony. He was accordingly 

■lent, 



Book IV. "The History of VIRGINIA. 189 

fent, upon the fame Foot, as Dr. Bohun ; and was allowed i6ai. 
his own, his Wife's, and two Servants Paflages. Dr. Gul-' y ' 
Jo?ie was likewife defired, to buy a Cheft of Phyfic of twen- ^"^2/7^" 
ty Pounds Value, and ten Pounds of Books, proper for the Governor. 
ProfeHion, which Ihould always belong to the Place. 

Captain IVilliam Neiuce offered, to tranfport and fet- 
tle a thoufand Perfons in Virginia^ by Midfummer, 1625 ; 
and defired to be appointed their General, and to have a 
Patent, with that Proportion of Land, and fuch other Pri- 
vileges, as were ufually granted on the like Occafion. A 
Patent was readily granted, in the largeft and moft ample 
Manner. But as to the Title and Command of General, 
they refufed to grant it him ; becaufe it was a Power, pro- 
perly belonging to the Governor only. Befides, it gave 
fuch an Independency, as was deftru6i:ive of all Order and 
good Government ; and had therefore been loudly cried out 
againft, in Captain Alartin's extravagant Patent, and in a 
Grant furreptitioufly and illegally obtained by Captain Ar- 
gall^ and therefore exprefly flopped, by the Company's Or- 
ders to the Governor in Virginia. But Captain Neiuce far- 
ther requefled, in order to enable him the better to go 
through the Charge of fo great an Undertaking, to be ap- 
pointed Marflial of Virginia ; for which Poft he was emi- 
nently qualified, having ever been exercifed in military Af- 
fairs and Arms, and of noted Experience and Skill in Martial 
Difcipline ; as appeared by his many Services in Ireland^ and 
by the Teflimony of divers honourable Perfons, upon their 
own Knowledge. He was therefore conflituted Marfhal of 
Virginia ; to take into his Charge, as well the Fortifica- 
tions, Arms, and Forces of the Colony, as to caufe the 
People, to be duly trained up in Military Difcipline, and to 
the Ufe and Exercife of Arms. And they annexed fifteen 
hundred Acres of Land and fifty Tenants to the Place, to 
be tranfported and furnifhed by himfelf, at eight Pounds 
Charge to the Company a Man. And the King alfo, being 
highly pleafed at the Nomination of this Gentleman, con- 
ferred the Honour of Knighthood upon him ; calling him 
his Knight-Marfhal of Virginia., and expreffing great Hopes 
from the Management of a Perfon of his acknowledged Ca- 
pacity and Skill. However, he did not long furvive his Ar- 
rival in Virginia ; but died, two Days after the reading his 
Patent and Commiflion. 

There was, at this time, above a thoufand Pounds, 
due in Virginia to the Company, for Rents and Duties ; 
and they were likewife greatly fcandalifed and offended, to 
find their frequent and prefTmg Orders, for raifing good and 
flaple Commodities, entirely flighted and negledted. It was 

therefore 



190 "The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

1 621. therefore thought neceffary, to appoint a particular Officer, 
^ Y 'by the Name of Treafurer ; who fhould have the Charge, 
^r George j^qj Q^jy ^f ^.j^gj,. Rgntg and Duties, but fhould alfo take 
Governor. '"^° ^'^ more efpecial Regard and Care, to fee all Orders 
and Direftions, fent from England^ duly and faithfully exe- 
cuted, from time to time ; or otherwife to render a fuffici- 
ent Reafon to the contrary. To this Office Mr. George 
Sandys^ the noted Poet and Traveller was unanimoufly 
ele6led, as a Perfon every way fit, on Account of his Abi- 
lity and Integrity. And they likewife allotted fifteen hun- 
dred Acres of Land, perpetually to belong to the faid Place 
of Treafurer, with fifty Tenants thereon ; and allowed 
Mr. Sandys an hundred and fifty Pounds, to furnifh himfelf 
for the Voyage, with the free Paflage of his Family, not 
exceeding the Number of ten Perfons. And it was thought 
proper, that two fuch eminent Officers as Marfhal and 
Treafurer, to which Places fuch worthy Gentlemen had 
been preferred, fhould be admitted of his Majefly's Coun- 
cil in England^ and appointed of the Council of State in 
Virginia. 

Soon after, Mr. Richard Norwood^ a Man famous, in 
thofe Days, as a Mathematician, who had laid off the 
Tribes and Lands, and made an exa6l Plot of the Iflands 
of Bermudas^ was recommended to the Company for Sur- 
veyor of Virginia^ and was accordingly ele6led to the Place. 
But I know not, how the Change came to be made, yet I 
find, very foon after, Mr. William Clayhorne appointed and 
fent Surveyor. The Company allowed him thirty Pounds 
a Year and a convenient Houfe, for his publick Service in 
laying off their Lands ; with twenty Pounds paid in Hand, 
to furnifh himfelf with Inflruments and Books, which he 
was obliged to leave to his SuccefTors. They likewife al- 
lowed him the Tranfport of three Perfons, and gave him 
two hundred Acres of Land in Fee-fimple ; and in cafe he 
was employed in any private Survey, he was to receive fix 
Shillings a Day, and to be found in Diet and Lodging. ^ 

M R. Pory\ Commiffion of Secretary was to determine, at 
the fame Time, as Sir George Yeardley\. He had given the 
Company little Satisfa6lion in that Office, but had been 
plainly dete6led, although a fworn Officer, of betraying 
the Proceedings, and fecretly conveying the Proofs, againft 
Captain Argall^ to the Earl of Warwick. And as he was 
befides known, to be a profefTed Tool and Inflrument to 
that Faction, the Company was at no Lofs or Hefitatibn, 
about renewing his Commiffion. But four Gentlemen be- 
ing flrongly recommended to them, as fully qualified for 
that Pofl, in Point of Learning, Honefty, and Experience, 

they 



Book IV. rhe History of VIRGINIA. 191 

they made Choice of Mr. Chrijiopher Davifon^ and ad- 1621. 

mitted him a free Brother of the Company, and one of the ' r- — ■ 

Council of State in Virginia. And as the Company's "^^ George 
Ships were often delayed in the Country, through . Neg- Q^'^gj.^-^^ 
ligence and Mifmanagement, it was refolved, to appoint 
an Officer, by the Title of Vice-Admiral, who fliould 
take into his Charge the Care and Difpatch of them. 
Mr. 'John Pomitis therefore, one of the Council, who 
had deferved well of both the Company and Colony, 
was, this Summer, appointed to that Place provifionally, 
and afterwards confirmed by the Quarter Court in Novem- 
ber^ with the Allowance of three hundred Acres of Land 
and twelve Tenants. 

The late large Tranfportations of People, the furnifli- 
ing and fitting out the new Governor and thefe other Offi- 
cers, with the vaft Charge of providing them with Tenants 
and Servants, and other needful and well-defigned Expences, 
did fo entirely exhaufi: the publick Treafury of the Compa- 
ny, that it never afterwards recovered itfelf to any tolerable 
Degree of Affluence or Wealth. And befides, the Lotte- 
ries were now at an End, which were the only Means of 
raifing a Fund again, and which alone had brought twenty 
nine thoufand Pounds Sterling into the Company's Stock. 
Wherefore Mr. S?nith obferved to them, that the Lotteries, 
which had thus far fupplied the real and fubftantial Food, 
by which Virginia had been nourifhed, did now no longer 
fubfift. To the End therefore, that flie might ftill be pre- 
ferved, by divulging Fame and good Report, he propofed, 
in the Name of himfelf and many others of the Society, 
to have a fair and perfpicuous Hiflory compiled of the Coun- 
try, from the firft Difcovery to that Time ; wherein the 
Memory and Deferts of many of her worthy Undertakers, 
as Sir Walter Ralegh^ Sir George So?ners^ the Lord Dela- 
warr^ Sir Thomas Dale., and Sir Thomas Gates (for both 
thofe Knights, after their Return from Virginia., had gone 
to the Eaji-Indies., and there died) together with divers 
others then living, might be commended to eternal Thank- 
fulnefs. He regretted their prefent Inability, in having no 
other Coin, wherewith to recompence the great Pains and 
Merit of the well-deferving. But he affirmed, that the beft 
planted Parts of America., under the Spanifh Government, 
at the like Age, afforded not better Matter of Relation, 
than Virginia then did. And he faid, that the Efi^e61:, which 
fuch a general Hiftory, deduced to the Life, would have, 
throughout the Kingdom, on the popular Opinion of the 
common SubjecSl, might be gathered, from the Succefs of 
the little Pamphlets or Declarations, lately publifhed. And 

he 




rbe History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

he further urged the immediate Performance thereof, be- 

caufe a few Years would confume the Lives of many, 

Sir George vvhofe Memories retained much, and might alfo devour 

Governor ^hofe Letters and Intelhgences, which yet remained in loofe 

and negle6led Papers. 

This Speech was received by the whole Court, with 
very great Applaufe, as fpoken freely, and to an excellent 
Purpofe ; and it v/as refolved, to have it confidered, and 
put in Prailice, in due Time. Mr. Smith was alfo exceed- 
ingly commended, as well for this, as for always preferring 
Motions of efpecial Confequence. And it was from this 
Motion, I fuppofe, that Captain Smith was requeued, in 
the Company's Name, to write his Hiftory of Virginia j 
as he himfelf tells us,/). i68. However the Captain's De- 
ferts feem not, about this Time, to have been fully under- 
ftood or regarded. For I find him, foon after, preferring 
a Petition to the Company, fetting forth ; That he had 
not only adventured Money, but had alfo twice built James- 
Toivn^ and four other Plantations ; and had difcovered the 
Country, and relieved the Colony, three Years together, 
with fuch Provifions, as he got from the Savages, with great 
Peril and Hazard of his Life ; and therefore he defired, in 
Confideration thereof, that the Company would be pleafed 
to reward him, either out of their Treafury at home, or 
their Profits in Virginia. And certainly, confidering his 
many great and extraordinary Services, he was highly wor- 
thy their Regard. But the Court referred him to the Com- 
mittee, appointed for rewarding Men upon Merit ; and from 
whatever Caufe it happened, I find nothing farther done 
in the Matter. So that he, with a Fate very ufual to pub- 
lick Spirits, had Reafon to complain, that every Shilling, 
which he had gained by thefe Enterprizes, had coft him a 
Pound ; and that what he had got, in fome fuccefsful Cam 
paigns at War, had been chearfully fpent on Virginia and 
New-England., for the publick Good. Yet he begrudges 
it not, but fliould think himfelf happy, to fee their Prof- 
perity and Advancement. 

At the Court of Election, the Earl of Southatnpton was 
again chofen Treafurer for the enfuing Year, with an una- 
nimous Voice. His Lordfhip was then abfent, having been 
long detained, that Day, in Parliament. But at his coming 
to Court, he was pleafed to accept the Place, in a very no- 
ble Manner ; and he had the hearty Thanks of the whole 
Court returned him, for his honourable Care and Pains, 
ever fince his Entrance into that Place of Government, to 
uphold and advance the Plantation. And at his Lordfliip's 
Requeft, Mr. yohn Farrar^ of whofe Fidelity and Suffi- 
ciency 



Book IV. the History of VIRGINIA. 193 

ciency they already had To much Experience, was moft wil- ^^-i- 
linglv continued in his Office of Deputy. — ' 

T H E Earl of Warwick was highly offended at Sir George ^i"; ^^°''^'' 
Teardley^ for intercepting a Pacquet of Letters, and difco- Governor. 
vering the Correfpondence between Secretary Pory and 
himfelf. He therefore loudly declared his Difpleafure, and 
took all poffible Methods to daunt and difcourage him, from 
proceeding vigoroufly in ArgaW'i Profecution. To this End, 
he caufed it to be rumoured over all Virginia^ even to Ope- 
chancanough^ and had it confirmed by Letters from England^ 
that he himfelf was coming over fhortly, in Perfon, to be 
their Governor, with Captain Argall for his Pilot ; and that 
then he would call Sir George Teardly feverely into Qiieftion, 
for his own Government, and would take a fliarp and full 
Revenge. Thefe Reports much weakened the Strength and 
Authority of the Government ; and they likewife fo affected 
Sir George Teardley^ a Man of a meek and gentle Nature, 
and threw him into fuch a Dejeftion of Spirit, that he fell 
into a long and languifliing Sicknefs, to the general Hurt 
and Negle6t of the publick Bufinefs, as well as Captain Ar- 
gaWi Affair in particular. 

The Company alfo, this Year, entertained fome Pro- 
jeils for producing ufeful Commodities ; and as three of the 
Mafter Workmen of their Iron Works were dead, they 
fent over Mr. John Berkeley^ and Maurice^ his Son, who 
were commended, as very fkilful in that Way, with twenty 
other experienced Workmen. They likewife ordered a 
Bill to be prepared for the Parliament, for fending over the 
Poor, which were now become very numerous and burthen- 
fome to the feveral Pariflies, to be fet to work, and ufefully 
employed, in Virginia. Sir George Yeardley complained, 
that the Council of State lived very diftant and diiperfed ; 
and having no Allowance for their Attendance, could fcarce 
be got together. Whereupon the Company ordered, that 
the Council fliould meet, four times a Year, and fliould 
hold Qiiarter Seffions, a whole Week together ; to affift 
the Governor, from time to time, as well in Matter of 
Counfel and of State, as in all Caufes of Importance, and 
for Redrefs of general and particular Grievances. And that 
their Number might make their Meetings the more eafy, 
befides the feven, laft Year appointed, and the new Officers 
of State, now going over, they alfo added, in the Room of 
Dr. Bohun and two others, that were dead, Mr. Pot^ the 
Rev. Mr. Robert Paivlet^ Captain Roger Smitb^and Mr. Leech. 
This laft Gentleman was going over, to view the Country, 
and to pitch upon a proper Place of Settlement, for the fa- 
mous and munificent William Earl of Peynbroke ; who had 
'"'' O under- 



194 -^v History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

•62.1. undertaken, with his Afiociates, to plant thirty thoufand 

^''^'^ ' Acres oi Land, and conl'cquentlv to tranfport fix hundred 

?W?' Perlbns. 

GoTCinof. The latter End of y«A', or Beginning of Auguft^ Sir 
Francis Wyat fet out for his Government, with the Trea- 
furer, Secretary, Phyfician-General, and Surveyor, in Com- 
pany wnth nine Sail of Ships ; all which arrived fafe in Vir- 
ginia^ about OSioher^ without the Lofs of one fingle Paf- 
i'enger. With him, was fent a Body of Inftrudions to the 
Governor, for the time being, and the Council of State in 
Virginia ; confifting of forty {^v^n Articles, and figned by 
the Earl of Southampton^ Sir Edwin Sandys^ Sir Joh?i Da- 
vers^ and others of the Council. In thefe, it was firft re- 
commended to them, to take into their efpecial Regard the 
Service of Almighty God, and the Obfervance of his divine 
Laws ; and that the People fhould be trained up, in true 
Religion and Virtue. And fince their Endeavours, for the 
Eftablifhment of the Honour and Rights of the Church and 
Miniftry, had not yet taken due Effect, they were required, 
to employ their utmoft Care, to advance all things apper- 
taining to the Order and Adminiftration of Divine Service, 
according to the Form and Dii'cipline of the Church of 
England ; carefully to avoid all factious and needlefs Novel- 
ties, which only tended to the Difturbance of Peace and 
Unity ; and to caufe, that the iVLinillers Ihould be duly re- 
fpecSted and maintained, and the Churches, or Places ap- 
pointed for Divine Service, decently accommodated, ac- 
cording to former Orders in that Behalf. They were, in 
the next Place, commanded, to keep the People in due 
Obedience to the King ; to provide, that Juftice might be 
equally adminiftered to all, as near as could be, according 
to the Forms and Conftitution of England ; to prevent all 
Corruption, tending to the Perverfion or Delay of Juftice ; 
to protecSt the Natives, from Injury and Oppreflion ; and to 
cultivate Peace and Friendfhip with them, as far as it fhould 
be confiftent with the Honour of the Nation and Safety of 
the People. They were likewife required, to make the 
People apply themfelves to an induftrious Way of Life ; 
and to fupprefs all Gaming, Drunkennefs, and Excefs in 
Apparel. To this End it was ordained, that no Perfon, 
except the Council, or the Heads of Hundreds and Planta- 
tions, with their Wives and Children, fliould wear Gold 
'on their Cloaths, or any Apparel of Silk, except fuch as 
had been raifed by their own Induftry. But the Governor 
and Council anfwered to this, that they knew of no Excefs 
in Apparel, except in the Price of it ; and had it not come 
from them, they fhould have thought it z' Plout upon the 
Colony, for their Poverty and Nakcdneis. They 



Book IV. The History of VIRGINIA. 195 

They were alio enjoined, to ufe great Care, that no ''■'--'''■■ 
juft Caufe of Offence be given to any other Prince, State, or ^-;- — v-—- ' 
People; to permit no Captain, or other Perfon, under P^^" j-^^^J/J^^ 
tence of Trade, to fail to the I Feji- Indies^ to rob and fpoil ; Governor, 
not to give Harbour or Refuge, on the Coafts or in the 
Country, to any Pirates or Banditti, but feverely to profe- 
cute and punifli them ; and to take better Care, for proper 
and effe6i:ual Fortifications. They further prefied upon 
them, in a particular Manner, the ufing all probable Means 
of bringing over the Natives, to a Love of Civility, and to 
the Knowledge of God, and his true Religion. To which 
Purpofe, they obferved to them, that the Example, given 
by the EngUfl} in their own Perfons and Families, would be 
of fingular and chief Moment : That it would be proper, 
to draw the beft difpofed among the Indians^ to converfe 
and labour with our People, for a convenient Reward ; that 
thereby, being reconciled to a civil Way of Life, and 
brought to a Senfe of God and Religion, they might after- 
wards become Inftruments in the general Converfion of their 
Countrymen, fo much defired : That each Town, Bur- 
rough, and Hundred, ought to procure, by juft Means, a 
certain Number of their Children, to be brought up in the 
firft Elements of Litterature : That the moft towardly of 
thefe fliould be fitted for the College ; in building of which, 
they purpofed to proceed, as foon as any Profit arofe from 
the Eftate, appropriated to that Ufe ; and they earneftly 
required their utmoft Help and Furtherance, in that pious 
and important Work ; not doubting the particular Bleffing 
of God upon the Colony, and being aflured of the Love of 
all good Men, upon that Account. 

They next proceeded to give Inftrucfions, for the 
Reception and Accommodation of the new Governor, 
and of the other Officers and People, then fent. And 
they prefled upon them the raifing feveral ufeful Com- 
modities ; as well Corn, Wine, Silk, and others here- 
tofore frequently mentioned, as alfo the making Oil of 
Walnuts, employing their Apothecaries in Diftillation, and 
fearching the Country for Minerals, Dyes, Gums, Drugs, 
and the like. And they ordered them particularly, by the 
King's Advice and Defire, to draw the People off of their 
exceflive planting of Tobacco. To that End, they were 
commanded to permit them, to make only an hundred 
Pounds of Tobacco a Head ; and to take all poffible Care, 
to improve that Proportion in Goodnefs, as much as might 
be, which would bring their Commodity into Requeft, and 
caufe a more certain Benefit to the Planter. They likewife 
added many other Advices and Inftruftions, for the Admini- 
O 2 ftration 



196 V:c History of VIRGINIA. Book IV 

1621. ftration of Juftice, the good Government, and happy Ad- 

' ^.^^"^ vancement of the Colony. 

^n- George J jj Cafe of the Death, Removal, or Sufpenfion of the 

Governor. Govcrnor, the Council, or major Part of them, then refi- 
dent in Virginia^ were ordered, immediately to aflemble 
themfelves, within fourteen Days, or fooner, and out of 
their own Body, to ele6l a Perfon, to fupply the Place, for 
the Time. But if the Voices fliould happen to be equal, 
then Ele6lion was to be made of the Lieutenant-Governor ; 
and in his Abfence, or neceflary Caufe of declining it, the 
Marfhal fliould fucceed ; next, the Treafurer ; and then 
one of the two Deputies, for the College and Company's 
Lands ; till the Government fhould be fettled in one of thofe 
chief Officers. And the Governor was authorifed, to de- 
termine and punifli, at his Difcretion, any fudden and emer- 
gent Bufinefs, and all Negleft or Contempt of Authority, 
in any Kind or Perfon whatfoever ; except only the Coun- 
cil in their own Perfons, who were, in fuch Cafes, to be 
fummoned to appear, at the next Qiiarter Seffion of the 
Council, and there to abide their Cenfure. But if the Go- 
vernor thought, it concerned the Peace and Welfare of the 
Colony, to proceed more fpeedily with fuch Offender, that 
then it fliould be lawful for him, to fummon an extraordi- 
nary Council, at which fix of the Council, at leafl:, fliould 
be prefent with the Governor ; and by Majority of Voices, 
any Counfellor might be committed, or obliged to give Bail 
for his Appearance. 

Sir Francis IVyat alfo brought over with him an Ordi- 
nance or Charter, from the Treafurer, Council, and Com- 
pany in England^ for fettling the Conftitution and Govern- 
ment of Virginia^ in the Governor, the Council of State, 
as his Affifl:ants, and the General Aflembly. This Alfem- 
bly was to confifl: of the Governor, Council of State, and 
two Burgelfes, chofen by every Town, Hundred, or par- 
ticular Plantation. All Matters were to be decided, deter- 
mined, and ordered in it, by the Majority of Voices, then 
prefent ; referving to the Governor a Negative upon the 
Whole. And they were empowered, to treat, confult, and 
conclude, as well concerning all emergent Occafions, re- 
lating to the publick Weal of the faid Colony, and every 
Part thereof, as alfo to make, ordain, and ena6i fuch gene- 
ral Laws and Orders, as fliould, from time to time, appear 
neceflkry : Provided neverthelefs, that no Law, or Ordi- 
nance, made in the faid General Aflembly, fliould be ot 
Force or Validity, unlefs the fame fliould be folemnly con- 
firmed and ratified, in a General Quarter Court of the 
Company in England^ and returned under their Seal : As 

alfo. 




Book. IV. 'Tbc History of VIRGINIA. 

alfo, when this Form of Government fliould be once well 
framed and fettled, that no Orders, of the Court in Englaiid^ 
fliould bind the Colony, before they were ratified and con-^"" <^«',§:^ 
firmed, in like Manner, by the General Aflembly in /^^'''.g"'- Governor 
n'la. But in all other things, they were commanded, to 
follow the Policy, Form of Government, Laws, Cuftoms, 
Manner of Trial, and other Adminifirration of Juftice, ufed 
in England. 

The Company's Treafury was fo reduced, that it could 
not now fuffice tor feveral things of the utmolt Neceflity and 
Ad\antage. Wherefore, to fupply this Deficiency, they 
entered into a Method of preparing Rolls, and offering them 
to the voluntary Subfcription of the Adventurers. What- 
ever was fent to Virginia upon thefe Rolls, was there fold, 
by the Cape-Merchant or fome other Failor, at fuch a mo- 
derate Price, as fliould indemnify the Subfcribers for their 
Money advanced, and for all Charges incident thereupon. 
At this time, four Rolls were prepared and brought into 
Court, for the Company's Subfcription. The firft was for 
Apparel, and other neceffary Provifions and Utenfils, for 
the Colony. The fecond, for fending an hundred more 
Maids, to make Wives ; and fixty were accordingly fent, 
) oung, handfome, and well recommended to the Company, 
for their virtuous Education and Demeanor. With them 
was fent over the feveral Recommendations and Teftimo- 
nials of their Behaviour, that the Purchafers might thence 
be enabled to judge, how to chufe. The Price of thefe 
Wives was ftated at an hundred and twenty Pounds of To- 
bacco, and afterwards advanced to an hundred and fifty, and 
proportionably more, if any of them fliould happen to die ; 
fo that the Adventurers might be refunded their original 
Charge. And it was alfo ordered, that this Debt for Wives 
fliould have the Precedency of all others, and be firft re- 
coverable. And it was ftri6fly enjoined, that they fliould 
be well ufed, and not married to Servants, but to fuch Free- 
men and Tenants, as could handfomely fupport them ; that, 
by their good Fortune, Multitudes of others might be al- 
lured to come over, on the Profpe6l of advantageous Mat- 
ches. And the Company likewife declared their Intention, 
that, for the Encouragement of fettled Families, and fecu- 
ring a Pofterity, they would prefer and make Confignments 
to married Men, before fingle Perfons ; and that as many 
Boys fliould be fent, as there were Maids, to be 'Prentices 
to thofe who married them. They alfo granted the Ad- 
venturers, who fubfcribed to this Roll, a ratable Proportion 
of Land, according to the Number of the Maids fent, to be 
laid off together and formed into a Town, by the Name of 
O 3 Maid/iotun. 



198 '-The History < VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

1 621. Maidjiowfi. The third Roll was for a Giafs Furnace, to 
^"^ ^make Beads, which was the current Coin in the Indian 
^Y w^r Trade ; and one Captain Norton^ with fome Italian Work- 
GoveVnor. "^^"^-t was fent over for that Purpofe. The fourth was for 
fetting out a trading Voyage with the Indians^ for Skins and 
Furs. For, the Company was informed from feveral Hands, 
that the French and Dutch carried on a very profitable Trade 
of that fort, in Ddawarr and Hudfon\ Rivers, which were 
within the Limits of their Grant, and then efteemed Parts 
of Virginia. They therefore refolved, to vindicate their 
Right, and not to permit Foreigners to run away with fo 
lucrative a Branch of their Trade. One Captain "Jones 
was accordingly fent upon the Voyage 3 but by the Wick- 
ednefs of him and his Mariners, the Adventure was loft, 
and the whole Project: overthrown. To thefe Rolls, 
the Earl of Southampton and Sir Edwin Sandys., each fub- 
fcribed two hundred Pounds ; and fuch was the Zeal and 
Refolution of the Adventurers to advance the Colony, that 
they were foon compleated, and put into Execution. At 
the fame time, the Company, in their Letters to the Go- 
vernor and Council, recommends to them the Prevention 
of Fraud and Deceit in Tobacco ; and that fome Provifion 
fhould be made, for burning all bafe and rotten Trafh, and 
none fufi-ered to go home, but what was very good ; where- 
by, they faid, there would certainly be more advanced in 
the Price, than loft in the Quantity. 

But Tobacco was, at this time, a very finking Com- 
modity. For altho' the Planters magifterially forced it on 
the Company and others, at the current Price of three Shil- 
lings a Pound, yet it would not turn oiit at home, after 
Shrinkage and Wafte, and the Difcharge of the Duty and 
Freight, (which laft alone was three Pence, and fometimes 
four Pence, a Pound) at above two Shillings for the beft, 
and the inferior Sort at fcarce eighteen Pence a Pound. And 
befides, the Trade was ftrangely hampered and perplexed, 
by the weak and unfteady Counfels of the puny Monarch, 
then on the Throne. For altho', in the Beginning of the 
former Year, the Company had yielded to his unreafonable 
Demand of twelve Pence a Pound, yet foon after, in the 
fame Summer, he ifl'ued a Proclamation, prohibiting a ge- 
neral Importation of Tobacco, and reftraining the Quantity 
from Virginia and the Somer-IJlands., to fifty five thoufand 
Weight. At the fame time, taking Advantage of an Oifer 
of Sir Thomas S?nith and Alderman John/on., in the Name 
of the Company, but without their Knowledge or Autho- 
rity, and fo utterly difclaimed by them, he granted a Mo- 
nopoly of Tobacco ; the fole Importation whereof was 

granted. 



Book IV. rir History ^/VIRGINIA. 199 

granted by Letters patent, firft to Sir Thomas Roe and his ^^zj. 
Aflociates (at whofe Defire and Inftigation the Proclamation, ^""^ y ^ 
above mentioned, was iflued) and the Year after, to Mr. '^'' ^^'^''S'^ 
yacob and certain other Patentees. They proceeded moft Governor 
injurioufly againft both Companies, not only (tinting them 
to too fcant a Proportion, but alio reftraining them from 
lelling their Tobacco, without their Seal and AUov/ance 
firft had ; for which, under the Pretence and Title of Garb- 
ling, they were obliged to pay four Pence a Pound. This 
Garbling was an ancient Cuftom of the City of London \ and 
an Officer was appointed, who had Power to enter into any 
Shop or Warehoufe, to view and fearch Drugs and Spices, 
and to garble the fame ; that is, to make them clean from 
all Garbles or Trafh. And it was now put into Execution, 
and arbitrarily applied to Tobacco (a new Commodity in 
England., and therefore not legally fubje6l to Garbling, 
without an exprefs Law) in order the more effectually to 
opprefs the Companies and Plantations, and to fqueeze the 
greater Gain out of them. 

Thus injured and diftreffcd, the Company prefented 
their Petition and Reprefentation to his Majeity, to which 
they received a gracious Aniwer, with large Profeffions of 
his Love to the Colonies, and that it never was his Intention 
to grant any thing to their Prejudice; but without any Re- 
drefs of their Grievance. It was therefore at laft reiblved, 
to prefer a Petition to the Houfe of Commons, and therein 
to complain of thefe Oppreffions, which tended to the utter 
Deftruction and Overthrow of the Colonies ; and as that 
Houfe had called into Queftion, and intended to fupprefs, 
other Monopolies (a great and crving Grievance of thofe 
Times) they doubted not, to receive from them a full and 
ample Redrefs. They likewife, at the Motion of Sir Ed- 
tvin Sandys^ prefented Mr. Edward Bennet^ a Citizen of 
Loudon^ with the Freedom of their Company ; becaufe he 
had written a Treatife, fetting forth, in a clear and lively 
Manner, the great Inconvenience and Damage to the Na- 
tion, by the Importation of Spanijh Tobacco ; and becaufe 
he had frequently attended the Committees of the Houfe of 
Commons, who were well inclined, to afford their utmoft 
Afliftance, for the Prohibition of foreign Tobacco. This 
Mr. Bennet immediately became the moft deeply engaged, 
and was far the largeft and moft confiderable Adventurer 
of anv, then known, in the Affair of Virginia ; whofe 
Foundations, in that early time, have continued down to 
the prefent. For his Nephew, Richard Bennet., Efq; was 
the firft Governor of Virginia., by the Ele6tion of the Co- 
lony, in the time of CromweW^ Ufurpation ; and the Re- 
O 4 main 



200 rbe History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

1 621. main of the Family, now feated in Maryland^ is ftill the 
^""-y— richeft and moft wealthy, in all Kinds of Fortune and E- 
Sn- George fl;ate, of any in this Part of America. However, fince the 
Governor Somer-Iflands could not well fubfift without the Profits of 
their Tobacco, and as the Territory of Virginia was large, 
their Soil good, and great Hopes conceived, that many other 
valuable Commodities would fcon be produced and returned 
from thence, it was agreed, that the whole 55,000 Weight 
fliould be imported from thofe Iflands ; and the Virginia 
Company procured Storehoufes, and appointed Fa6lors, at 
Middlehurg and FluJ])ing^ and compounded with the States 
of thofe Cities, for a Half Penny a Pound Cuftom, for the 
Import, and the fame Rate for the Export, of their To- 
bacco. So that no Virginia Tobacco was imported into 
England.^ this Year, but all was carried and difpofed of in 
Holland. 

The News of this State of their Affairs coming to Vir- 
ginia., the Colony was greatly alarmed, and drew up an 
humble Petition to the King, fetting forth : That his Ma- 
iefty, out of his religious Defire to fpeed the Gofpel of 
Chrift, and princely Ambition to enlarge his Dominions, 
had given Encouragement to fuch, as would go to Virgi- 
nia., and granted them many goodly Privileges and Liberties, 
under the great Seal of England.^ than which they thought 
no earthly Affurance more firm and inviolable : That in 
Confidence hereof, they, his Majefty's poor Subjects, had 
adventured their Lives and Fortunes thither ; and in the 
Profecution of the Enterprife, had undergone fuch incredi- 
ble Difficulties and Sufferings, as would be {hocking, in the 
Relation, to his Majeffy's facred Ears : That they had now, 
by the Divine Affiftance, in fome Meafure, overcome thofe 
Difficulties, and brought themfelves to an Ability of fubfifl:- 
ing, without any other Help from England., than the ufual 
Courfe of Commerce ; but that they had, of late, been 
brought into Danger, of returning into their former, or even 
worfe Circumftances, by the finiffer Pra6lices of fome Mem- 
bers of the Company at home ; who, pretending his Ma- 
jefty's Profit, but really aiming at their own exorbitant 
Gain, had obtained a Proclamation, to prohibit the Impor- 
tation of Tobacco into England: That other things, of 
greater real Value, required more time, than their preffing 
Neceffities would allow, and mor& Help, to bring them to 
Perfection, than they had, till of late, been furniflied with- 
al ; and that, therefore, Tobacco was the only Commodity, 
they had yet been able to raife, in order to fupply themfelves 
and Families with Apparel, and other needful Supplements 
of Life : That, if it fliouId be thus fuppreffed and prohi- 
bited, 



Book IV. "The History of VIRGINIA. 201 

bited, they muft all, of Neceflity, perish, for Want of 1621. 
Cloathing, and fuch Neceilaries, as both their Nature and^^- — v— ^ 
Education required : That his Majefl:y would, thereby, not ^^ ^"''S' 
only lofe fo many good and loyal Subjects, as had adventu- Governor 
red their Lives and Subftance to Virginia^ for the Promo- 
tion of thofe great Ends, the Glory of God, and his Ma- 
jefty's Service, but muft likewife be deprived of the Hope 
and Profpe6l, of acquiring a Territory, as large, and capa- 
ble of becoming as opulent, as any of thofe Kingdoms, he 
at prefent poflelled : Since therefore they were allured, that 
his Majefty tendered the Lives and Welfare of his Subjeils, 
above Thoufands of Gold and Silver, and fmce his Royal 
Word was engaged, and even ratified under the great Seal 
of England^ they befought him, out of his princely Com- 
paffion, either to revoke that Proclamation, and to reftore 
them to their ancient Liberty, or elfe to fend for them 
home, and not fufFer the Heathen to triumph over them. 

This Petition was tranfmitted to the Treafurer and Com- 
pany, and was feconded by a Letter, from Sir George Teard- 
ley and the Council, to the Company ; defiring, that it 
might be prefented to his Majefty, in as humble and effec- 
tual a Manner, as poffible ; becaufe, as they conceived, the 
very Life of the Colony depended upon the Succefs of it. 
But before it came to hand, the King was become fenfible 
of the Damage, that hence accrued to himfelf, by the Di- 
minution of his Cuftoms. The Deputy therefore, and fome 
others of the Company, were fent for, in Odober this Year, 
and received an angry Rebuke from the Lords of the Privy 
Council ; importing, that Complaint had been made to that 
Board, that the Company had fet up a Trade in Holland^ 
and carried all their Commodities thither ; and requiring an 
Anfwer, whether they would bring all their Commodities 
into England^ or continue their Trade in the Low- Countries. 
To the former Part of this, the Anfwer was ready and ob- 
vious ; that they had indeed carried their Tobacco to M'ld- 
dleburg^ not out of Choice, but being conftrained thereto 
by his Majefty's Proclamation, and an Order of their own 
Board. And as to the latter Part, concerning bringing all 
their Commodities into Englayid., as it was a new and un- 
expe6ted Propofition, and a Point of great Weight and fu- 
ture Confequence, they took fome time to confider of it, 
and then returned a long and very refpe6lful Anfwer : 

That it was a Liberty and Privilege, generally taken 
and enjoyed, by all his Majefty's Subjects, to carry their 
Commodities to the beft Markets : That many Commodi- 
ties were now fet on Foot, and expe£ted foon to be returned 
frdm Virginia^ which, altho' in fome Demand in other 
2^ Countries, 




ne History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

Countries, yet would not be vendible in England^ nor pay 
the Expence of Freight and Cuftom : That neither the 
Mufcovy Company, nor any other ancient Corporation, was 
under iuch a Reftraint, to whofe greateft Privileges and Im- 
munities, they were entitled, by the exprefs Words of his 
Majefty's Charter : That the Company had granted feveral 
Patents, with the fame Privileges, as they themfelves en- 
joyed, to divers Perfons of noble and worthy Families, who 
had thereupon expended great Sums of Money, and fome 
their whole Eftates in the Plantation ; and that it was not 
in their Power, nor would it be confonant to Law or Equi- 
ty, now to revoke or reftrain them: That they conceived 
themfelves to have no Right or Authority, to difpofe of the 
Goods of the private Planters in Virginia^ who are declared, 
by his Majefly's Charter, to be as free, as any other his Sub- 
jects, and who had merited, by their long and hard Services, 
all Manner of Immunity and Encouragement : That they 
could not forbid or reftrain them, from trading and barter- 
ing their Commodities freely, with fuch Ships, as carried 
Paflengers, moft of which proceeded on trading Voyages, 
and returned not directly to England : That a Trade had 
lately begun between Ireland and Virginia^ for Cattle and 
other Neceflaries, for which Contra6ls were made in To- 
bacco ; and that this Trade would hereby be nipped in the 
Bud, to the exceeding great Prejudice, and the Hazard of 
the utter Ruin of the Colony : And laftly, That it was not 
in the Power of the few Members of the Company, then in 
Town in the time of Vacation, to conclude any thing pofi- 
tive, in an Affair of that vaft Importance ; wherein above a 
thoufand Adventurers in England^ and near four thoufand 
Inhabitants of Virginia^ were deeply interefted and concern- 
ed. After which they concluded, with affuring their Lord- 
fhips, that they affected no foreign Trade, but in Cafes of 
mere Neceflity, and for the better Support and Advance- 
ment of the Colony ; that they {hould always endeavour at 
fuch a mutual Commerce between England and Virginia^ 
as fhould be confiftent with the Honour and Benefit of both ; 
and that, next to God's Glory, they chiefly aimed at the 
Good of their Country, his Majefty's Honour, and the Ad- 
vancement of his Profit and Revenue ; for which Ends, 
they had, out of their own private Eftates, befides their 
Labour and Time, expended above an hundred thoufand 
Pounds, without any Return, not only of Profit, but even 
of the leaft Part of the Principal itfelf, to any one of the Ad- 
venturers, that they knew of. 

This Anfwer gave no Satisfaction to their Lordftiips ; 
but they were referred to Mr. Jacob^ their old Antagonift 

and 



Book IV. rZv History of VIRGINIA. 203 

and Oppreflor ; and were likewife ordered, to give in their i<^-'- 

peremptory Anfwer, whether they would import, not all ' v ' 

their Commodities, but all their Tobacco only, into En-^^'' (^"''S' 
gland. With Mr. Jacob^ they could come to no fatisfac- q^^^^j^^^ 
tory Accommodation ; and as to importing all their Tobac- 
co into Engla7id^ they befought their Lordfliips, to be left 
at Liberty, either to import, or not import it into England^ 
as they fhould find it moft beneficial to the Colony. But 
if they muft be obliged to import all or none, they declar- 
ed, it was their Choice, to import none into England^ the 
enfuing Year. But their Lordfhips termed this an unduti- 
ful Anfwer, and commanded them, at their Peril, to bring 
all their Tobacco into England. And the Deputy and Com- 
mittee, appointed to attend their Lordfhips, offering fome 
Reafons, they were told, that they were not to difpute at 
that Board, but to obey ; and fo were difmiffed, with high 
Marks of their Difpleafure and Indignation. 

These Proceedings, being reported to the Company, 
caufed great Grief and Dejection among them. For the 
Importation of Spani/h., and all other Tobaccoes, was then 
free ; and altho' the Houfe of Commons, in their lafl Sef- 
fion, had entered into fome Confideration about it, yet I 
cannot find, that any thing material was done in the Mat- 
ter. And as to the King, out of his doating Fondnefs for 
the Spani/h Match, and his eager Defire, to give all pofTible 
Pleafure and Advantage to his good Friend and Brother, the 
King of Spain., he was even a6five and diligent, to protect 
and advance the Importation of Spanijh Tobacco. How- 
ever the Deputy exhorted the Company, not to be difcou- 
raged at thefe Difafl:ers. For he hoped, that God would 
flill exert himfelf in the Prote6lion of Virginia.^ who had 
turned for the beft, divers former Projects, which threatned 
the Ruin and Deffruition of the Colony. And he defired, 
that having put their Hands to the Plough, they would not 
now look back, or be weary of well-doing. For the Ac- 
tion was univerfally confefled, to be moft chriflian, ho- 
nourable, and glorious, and of extreme Confequence to the 
Commonwealth and Realm of England; and altho' they 
might feem to have cafl their Bread upon the Waters, yet 
after many Days, he doubted not, but they fliould find it 
again, to their great Comfort and Advantage. And he far- 
ther told them, that altho' their exhauffed Treafury had 
been able to do little, that Year, for fending People to /^/r- 
ginia., yet it had pleafed God, to flir up To many worthy 
Minds, for the Advancement of the Colony, that no lefs 
than twenty Ships were already gone, or ready to go, in 
which would be tranfported above a thoufand Perfons. But 

bv 




The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

by Captain Smith''?, Account, there were twenty one Sail 

of Ships fent this Year, with thirteen hundred. Men, Wo- 

Sir George ^len, and Children ; which mio;ht likewife be true, as it 

Governor ^^^ ^'""Iv O^tober^ and the Year not concluded, when Mr. 

Deputy Farrar made this Report to the Company. 

M R . Copeland^ Chaplain to the Royal James^ an Eaji- 
India Ship juft returned to Englayid^ by his Example and 
Perfuafions, prevailed on the Ship's Company, to contribute 
feventy Pounds, towards building a Church or a Free-fchool 
in Virginia \ and . an unknown Perfon gave thirty Pounds 
more, to make the Benefa6lion an hundred ; to which twen- 
ty five Pounds were afterwards added, by another unknown 
Perfon. It was therefore determined, to build a School at 
Charles-City (which was judged the moft commodious Place, 
and moft convenient to all Parts of the Colony) by the Name 
of the Eaji-India School ; and the Company allotted, for 
the Maintenance of the Mafter and Uflier, a thoufand A- 
cres of Land, with five Servants and an Overfeer. This 
School was to be collegiate, and to have Dependence upon 
the College at Henrico ; into which, as foon as the College 
was fufficiently endowed, and capable to receive them, the 
Scholars were to be admitted and advanced, according to 
their Deferts and Proficiency in Learning. Mr. Copeland 
was alfo pr'^fented with the Freedom of the Company, and 
with three hundred Acres of Land in Virginia. And Car- 
penters were accordingly fent over for this Purpofe, early 
the next Year. 
Sir Frav.ch On the 1 8th of November^ Sir Francis IVyat entered 
Wyat, Go- upon his Government ; but inftead of his hundred Tenants, 
vernor. j^^ received only forty fix from Sir George Teardley., who 
refufed to make the Number good, as he was under no 
fuch Contract with the Company, when he came Gover- 
nor, and as he had even offered to furrender them all back 
again, into the Companv's Hands. Sir Francis fent Mr. 
Thorpe immediately, to Opitchapan and Opechancanough^ to 
confirm all former Leagues, between the Englijh and them. 
They both exprefled great Satisfaftion at the Arrival of this 
new Governor, and were content, that the Englijh {hould 
inhabit the Country ; and Mr. Thorpe thought, that he per- 
ceived more Motions of Religion in Opechancanough., than 
could eafily be imagined, in fo great Ignorance and Blind- 
nefs. He acknowledged his own ReHgion, not to be the 
right Way ; and defired, to be inftruded in the Chrijiian 
Faith. He confefled, that God loved the Englijh better 
than them ; and he thought, the Caufe of God's Anger 
againft them was their Cuftom of conjuring their Children, 
and making them black Boys. He had alfo fome Know- 
ledge 



Book IV. TZv History of VIRGINIA. 205 

ledge of the Heavens ; had ohferved the North Star and 1621. 

the Courfe of the Conftellation about it ; and called the^"" — y ' 

Great Bear, Mangiiahalan^ which, in their Language, fig-^"" ^''^""^ 
nified the fame. He gave Mr. Thorpe Hopes of their en- y^l^^r. 
tertaining fome EngUJJ) Families among them, and their 
fending fome of theirs to cohabit with the Engli/}} ; and 
confirmed a former Promife, of fending a Guide with the 
EtigliJ}) to fome Mines beyond the Falls. But all thefe fair 
Profeflions and Promifes feem to have been only Diflimula- 
tion and Policy. For that favage Prince certainly never 
had any real Friendfliip or Love for the Engli/Jj ; but 
watched all proper Opportunities and Pretences, to do them 
Mifchief, or even utterly deftroy them. It was likewife 
ordered, upon the Acceflion of this new Governor, that the 
Colony fliould only tend a thoufand Plants, for every Head, 
with nine Leaves on each Plant ; which, by their Compu- 
tation, would amount to about an hundred Weight, ac- 
cording to the Company's exprefs InftrucStions, in Confe- 
quence of his Majefty's Defire and Advice. Mr. Gookin 
too, who was under Contract with the Company for Cat- 
tle, arrived with them out of Ireland^ on the 22d of No- 
vember \ and he brought with him fifty Men of his own, and 
thirty PafTengers, exceedingly well furnifhed with all Kinds 
of Provifion, and feated himfelf at Newporf s-Nexus . The 
Inhabitants alio made a Contribution of fifteen hundred 
Pounds, to build a Gueft-Houfe, for the Reception and 
Entertainment of New-Comers ; which was accordingly 
undertaken, and in a Way of being well executed, by 
Lieutenant Jabe% Whitaker^ to his own great Commenda- 
tion, and to the general Satisfadlion of the People here, and 
the Company in London. 

Before I finifti this Year, it will not be improper, 
" briefly to remark, what then paffed in the Parliament of 
England. There were two Seffions . of Parliament, this 
Year. The firft began in January., and pafled oft' peace- 
ably. They granted the King Money, to fupport the Pa- 
latine of the Rhine., againft the Houfe of Aujhia ; and 
were content to fupprefs fome Monopolies, without touch- 
ing on their Author, the Marquifs of Buckingham., altho' 
he was generally known, and even plainly accufed of it, by 
Sir Henry y'elverton., the late Attorney General. However 
I do not find, that the Monopoly of Tobacco came under 
their Reftraint. Only the eminent Lawyers of the Houfe 
of Commons declared the Patent for Garbling utterly ille- 
gal, and a great Grievance in the Ereftion, but much more 
fo, if it fhould be brought into Execution. And this Seflion 
had alfo another good Eff^eft : For at their very firft Meet- 




rbe History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

ing, the Reftraint on Tobacco was taken ofF, and Liberty 
jiven, at leaft by Connivance, freely to import it into En- 
Sivc Francis gi^^^ .^ which indeed, I fuppofe, was the Reafon, that nei- 
verm)' "' ^^^^ ^^^ Company's Petition was deHvered, nor any thing 
elfe done in the Houfe of Commons, with Relation to that 
unlawful, unjuft, and oppreffive Monopoly. 

The fecond Seffion began the 20th of November^ and 
was hot and angry. The Difpute between the King and 
the Houfe of Commons, concerning the Extent of the 
Royal Prerogative, and the Rights, Franchifes, and Privi- 
leges of Parliament, rofe fo high, that the King firft ad- 
journed, and then diflblved them, in a Paflion. However, 
before that could be done, the Commons entered upon 
their Journals a Proteftation, afferting their Parliamentary 
Rights and Privileges. But the King, eleven Days after 
the Adjournment, called for the Clerk of the Houfe of 
Commons ; and demanding the Journals, he declared, in 
full Council, and in the Prefence of all the Judges then in 
Town, that it was invalid, annulled, void, and of no Ef- 
fect ; and did moreover, with his own Hand, take the faid 
Proteftation, out of the Journal-Book of the Houfe of 
Commons. And not content with thefe Marks of his Dif- 
pleafure, he proceeded farther againft fome of the warmeft 
of the Houfe of Commons ; whom he stiled fiery, popu- 
lar, and ill-tempered Spirits. Sir Edwin Sandys was im- 
priibned, during the Seflion, which caufed a great Tumult 
•in the Houfe. And altho' the King, upon the Houfe's 
fending a Mefl'age to Sir Edwln^ to know the Reafon of his 
Confinement, declared, in a Letter to the Speaker, that it 
was not for any Mifdemeanor in Parliament, yet I fufpe6l, 
his Imprifonment was defigned, to prevent him from a6l- 
ing with Vigor, in the Cafe of the Monopoly, and other 
illegal Oppreftions on Tobacco ; and this the more efpe- 
cially, as I can no where find, that any Reafon or Pretence 
was given for his Commitment. However the King's 
Opinion, concerning his Power over the Members, was 
plainly exprelled in that Letter. For he orders the Spea- 
ker, to tell the Houfe, in his Name, that he conceived 
himfelf, to have both Right and Ability, to punifh any 
Man's Mifdemeanors in Parliament, as well during their 
fitting, as after ; which Power he meant not hereafter to 
fpare, as Occafion fhould be adminiftered, by the infolent 
Behaviour of any of their Members. And agreeably to 
this Declaration, Sir Edward Coke^ the great Lawyer, Sir 
Robert Philips^ Mr. John Selden^ another Prodigy of Law 
and all Kinds of Knowledge, Mr. Pym^ and Mr. Mallery^ 
were imprifoned, after the Recefs, profefledly for their Be- 
haviour 



Book IV. TZv History of VIRGINIA. 207 

haviour in Parliament. And Sir Dudley D'lgges^ Sir Thomas 162,1. 

Creiu^ Sir Nathaniel Rich^ and Sir 'James Perrot^ were fent '—'> ' 

into Ireland^ under Pretence of enquiring into fundry Mat-^ Framn 
ters, relating to his Majefty's Service in that Kingdom, but, ^^l^^^ 
in reality, by Way of Banifhment. The Earls of Oxford 
and Southa?npton were likewife fent to the Tower, soon af- 
ter the Diirolution, on fome far-fetched, Pretences. But the 
true Reafon was eafily and publickly perceived, and that 
their real Crime was, having fpoke too freely in Parliament, 
concerning the King's Condu6l. 

I have made this Relation, not fo much as it is a remark- 
able I¥jVZ. in the EngUf Hillory, which gave Rife to two 
profefl'ed Parties, the one for the King's Prerogative, and 
the other for the Rights of Parliament and the Liberty of 
the Subje6l ; nor as it was alfo the firft open breach, be- 
tween the King and the People, which, by fubfequent Pro- 
vocations and Heart-burnings, at laft broke out, into a moft 
unhappy and virulent Civil War. But I have mentioned 
thefe things chiefly, as they relate to my Subjeft, and will 
contribute to let the Reader more fully, into the Springs 
and Motives of fome future Tranfa6tions. For it will be 
readily perceived, that many of the moft eminent and a6live 
Oppofers in Parliament, of the King's arbitrary Views, 
were alfo principal and leading Members of the Virginia 
Company ; and it is well known, with what an Eye of 
Jealoufy and Difpleafure, that Prince ever looked upon fuch, 
as dared to ftand up for the Liberty of their Country, or 
were fo far infected, with the mortal Taint of a publick 
(or as he thought it) a republican Spirit, as to oppofe his 
Claim to an unlimited and defpotic Power. It will not 
therefore be furprifing, to find him hereafter, notwithfland- 
ing his many affe6led and anile Profeflions of Love and Af- 
feftion to the .Colonies, not only much difgufted at the 
Company, and little inclined to do them any Favour, but 
even, in their Diflolution, making a Stretch of that Prero- 
gative, which many of them had the Boldnefs, to queftion 
and withftand. 

B UT the Colony being now much enlarged and en- 1622. 
creafed, it was found very troublefome, to bring all Caufes 
to fames-Town. Inferior Courts were therefore, in the 
Beginning of the Year 1622, appointed in convenient Places, 
to relieve the Governor and Council from this vaft Burthen 
of Bufinefs, and to render Juftice the more cheap and ac- 
ceffible. This was the Original and Foundation of our 
County Courts ; altho' the Country was not yet laid off in 
Counties, but ftill continued in Townfhips and particular 
Plantations, as they called thofe Settlements, which were 

not 




rhe History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

not confiderable enough, to have the Title and Privileges of 
Burroughs. 

But this Year is rendered mofi: memorable in our An- 
nals, by a cruel and bloody Maffacre, concerted by Ope- 
chancanough and the Indians^ and executed on the Englifh 
Colony, upon the 22d of March^ on the following Occa- 
fion and Manner. There was a noted Indian^ called Ne- 
mattanow^ who was wont, out of Bravery and Parade, to 
drefs himfelf up, in a ftrange antic and barbaric Fafhion, 
with Feathers ; which therefore obtained him, among the 
Englijh^ the Name of Jack of the Feather. This Indian 
was highly renowned among his Countrymen, for Courage 
and Policy ; and was univerfally efteemed by them the great- 
eft War-Captain of thofe Times. He had been in many 
Skirmiflies and Engagements with the Englijh^ and bravely 
expofed his Perfon ; yet by his Aftivity, Conduit, and good 
Fortune, he had always efcaped without a Wound. This, 
aided by his Craft and Ambition, eafily wrought, in the 
Minds of thofe ignorant and fuperftitious Barbarians a fond 
Conceit, that he was invulnerable and immortal. This 
Captain came to the Houfe of one Morgan^ who had many 
fuch Commodities, as fuited the rude Tafte of the Indians. 
Being fmit with the Defire of fome of thofe Baubles, he 
perfuaded Morgan to go with him to Pamunkey^ upon the 
Promife and Affurance of a certain and advantageous Traf- 
fick. But, upon the Way, he murdered the poor credu- 
lous Englijhman ; and within two or three Days, returned 
again to his Houfe. There were only two fturdy Lads there, 
the late Morgan's Servants ; who feeing him wear their 
Mafter's Cap, afked for their Mafter, and Jack frankly 
told them, he was dead. Being confirmed in their Sufpi- 
cion, they feifed him, and endeavoured to carry him before 
Mr. Thorpe^ who then lived at Berkeley. But fack fo pro- 
voked them, by his Refiftance and Infolence, that at laft 
they Ihot him down, and put him into a Boat, in order to 
carry him before the Governor, who was then within feven 
or eight Miles of the Place. On the Way, our fainting 
Immortal felt the Pangs of Death ve/y ftrong upon him, 
and earneftly entreated the Boys, to grant him two things ; 
firft, never to make it known, that he was flain by a Bullet; 
and fecondly, to bury him among the EngUf)., that the cer- 
tain Knowledge, and Monument of his Mortality, might 
be ftill concealed, and kept from the Sight of his Country- 
men. Such was the Vanity of this poor Barbarian, and 
fo ftrong his Defire of falfe Glory in the Opinion of others, 
againft the Experience and plain Convidlion of his own 
Senfe. 

Opechancanough 



Book IV. i:he History of VIRGINIA. 209 

Opechancanough was a haughty, politic, and bloody Man, 1622. 

ever intent on the Deftru6lion of the EngHJJ}^ and ready *~~ — ^v^ ' 

to catch at every Pretence, for efFe6ting his Purpofe. He^ Frarcn 
had been difcovered, the Year before, tampering with ^ ^^^^l\ 
King on the Eajiern Shore^ to furnifli him with a Poifon, 
either real or fuppofed, in order to Poifon the Engli/h Co- 
lony. He had alio been accufed to the Governor, of a De- 
fign, to draw together a very great Force, under Colour of 
celebrating fome funeral Rites to Powhatan^ but really with 
Intent to cut off all the Englijh. But Sir George Teardley^ 
by this Information, was rendered very watchful of his Mo- 
tions ; fo that he was either difappointed in his Scheme, or 
elfe, as Sir George thought, had never really formed any 
fuch Defign. As to this Warrior, he was fo far from be- -^ 
ing in his Favour, that he had fent Word to Sir George 
Teardley^ fome time before, that he fhould be content, if his 
Throat were cut. Yet he being a popular Man, and much 
lamented by the Indians^ Opechancanough pretended, the bet- 
ter to enflame and exafperate them, to be much grieved at 
his Death, and was very loud, at lirft, in his Threats of 
Revenge. But the Reafon and Juftice of the thing being 
evinced, and receiving alfo fome ftern and refolute Anfwers 
from the Englijh^ he cunningly difl'embled his Intent for the 
prefent, and treated a Mefl'enger, fent to him about the 

Middle of March^ with extreme Civility and Kindnefs ; 

afluring him, that he held the Peace fo firm, that the Sky 
fhould fall fooner, than it fhould be violated on his Part. - 
And fuch was the Treachery and Diffimulation of the reft 
of the Indians^ that, but two Days before, they kindly 
conducted the Englijh through the Woods, and fent home 
one that lived among them, to learn their Language. Nay, 
on the very Morning of that fatal Day, as alfo the Even- 
ing before, they came, as at other times, unarmed into the 
Houfes of the Englijh^ with Deer, Turkies, Fifh, Fruits, 
and other things to fell ; and in fome Places fat down to 
Breakfaft with them. Yet fo general was the Combination, 
and their Plot fo well laid, to cut off the whole Colony, in 
one Day, and at the fame Inftant, that they had all Warn- 
ing, one from another, through all their Habitations, though 
far diftant from each other, and every Party and Nation 
had their Stations appointed, and Parts affigned, at the Plan- 
tations of the Englijh^ fome being dire<5led to one Place, 
and fome to another. 

The Englijh^ on the other hand, were by this Beha- 
viour, as well as on other Accounts, lulled into a fatal Se- 
curity. They thought the Peace fure and inviolable, not 
fo much becaufe of their folemn Promifes and Engage- 
-^ P ments. 



210 The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

1622. ments, as becaufe it was highly ufeful and neceflary to the 
* V ^ Indians themfelves. For thofe poor, weak and naked Bar- 
Sir Francis barians were, every way, advantaged by the EngUJh. By 
vei^nor °' ^^^ Peace, they were fafely (heltered and defended from all 
other Enemies ; they were fupplied with feveral neceflary 
Tools and Utenfils, and other Commodities of Pleafure and 
Entertainment ; they were fomething acquainted with, and 
got a Tafte of Civil Life ; and were befides no ways in a 
Condition to withftand an Englijh War, becaufe of the 
Superiority of their Arms, the Advantage of their Difci- 
pline and native Courage, and their greater Skill in all mili- 
tary Arts and Stratagems. The Englijl) had likewife ever 
treated them, with the utmofl: Humanity and Kindnefs, out 
of the Hope and Defire, of thereby alluring and bringing 
them over, to the Knowledge of God and his true Religion. 
For nothing was more earneftly recommended from En- 
gland^ or more heartily defired and endeavoured by many 
good and pious Perfons of the Colony, than their Conver- 
fion ; which, agreeably to the Spirit of the Gofpel, and of 
the Proteftant Religion, and greatly to the Honour of our 
Nation, was always purfued, by the Ways of Gentlenefs 
and Perfuafion, and never by thofe unchriftian Arguments 
of Fire and Sword. On all thefe Accounts, the Englijh 
were fo confident and fecure, that there could feldom be met 
with, in their Houfes, a Sword or a Firelock, and mofl: of 
their Plantations were feated in a fcattered and fl:raggling 
Manner, as a convenient Situation, or a choice Vein of rich 
Land invited them ; and indeed it was generally thought, 
the further from Neighbours the better. All Indians were 
kindly received into their Houfes, fed at their Tables, and 
even lodged in their Bedchambers ; fo that they feemed, 
entirely to have coalefced, and to live together, as one 
People. And the EngUJh were fo far infatuated, by an 
Opinion of their Simplicity, and of their Inclination, and 
even Intereft, to maintain the Peace, that they lent them 
their Boats, as they pafled backwards and forwards, to con- 
cert their Meafures, and to confult upon the execrable De- 
fign of murdering and utterly extirpating the whole Nation. 
The Hour appointed being come, and the Indians^ by 
reafon of their Familiarity, knowing exactly, in what 
Places and Quarters every Englijhman was to be found, 
rofe upon them at once, fparing neither Sex nor Age, Man, 
Woman, nor Child ; and they were fo quick and fudden in 
their Execution, that few perceived the Weapon or Blow, 
that brought them to their End. Some entered their 
Houfes, under Colour of Trade ; others drew them abroad, 
upon fpecious Pretences ; whilfl: the refl: fell fuddenly on 

thofe. 



Book IV. "The History of VIRGINIA. 211 

thofe, that were at their feveral Works and Labours. And 1622. 

thus, in one Hour, and almoft at the fame Inftant, fell ' > " 

three hundred and forty feven. Men, Women, and Chil- ^"; ^'■''"'" 
dren ; moft of them, by their own Tools and Weapons, ve/rTor. 
and all, by the Hands of a perfidious, naked, and daftardly 
People, who durft not ftand the prefenting of a Staff, in 
A'lanner of a Firelock, nor an uncharged Piece, in the 
Hands of a Woman. Neither were they content with their 
Liv'es only ; but they fell again upon their dead Bodies, de- 
facing, dragging, and mangling them into many Pieces, and 
carrying fome Parts away, with a bafe and brutifli Tri- 
umph. 

In this Havock, fix of the Council were flain. For 
thofe Blood-hounds, with equal Spight and Barbarity, mur- 
dered all before them, without any Remorfe or Pity, and 
without having any Regard to Dignity, or even to thofe 
Perfons who were beft known to them, or from whom 
they had daily received many Benefits. Among thefe was 
that pious, worthy, and religious Gentleman, Mr. George 
Thorpe^ Deputy to the College Lands, and both in Com- 
mand and Defert, one of the Principal in Virginia. He 
had been of the King's Bed-Chamber, and was a Perfon of 
confiderable Figure in England. Yet fo truly and earneftly 
did he afFe6t their Converfion, that he left all at home, and 
came over chief Manager to the College, a Foundation 
defigned for their Education and Converfion. And here he 
feverely puniflied, whofoever, under him, did them the 
leafi: Difpleafure. He thought, nothing too dear or precious 
for them, nor ever denied them any thing. Infomuch that, 
being frightened at the Englifi Maftives, he caufed fome of 
them to be killed in their Prefence, to the great Grief of 
their Owners, and would fain have had all the refl: gelt, 
to make them mild and peaceable. He alfo built the King 
a handfome Houfe, after the EngUfi Fafliion ; in which he 
took fuch Pleafure, efpecially in the Lock and Key, that he 
would lock and unlock his Door, an hundred Times a Day, 
and was fo taken with the Device, that he thought nothing 
in the World comparable to it. And thus infinuating him- 
felf into that Barbarian's Favour, he would often confer 
with him about Religion ; and that treacherous Infidel 
would feem much pleafed with his Difcourfe and Compa- 
ny, and very defirous to requite all his Courtefy and Kind- 
nefs. Yet did this ungrateful and viperous Brood, not only 
murder this good Gentleman, but with fuch Spight and 
Scorn abufe his dead Corps, as is unfit to be heard, or re- 
lated. At the very Minute of the Execution, his Man, 
perceiving fome Treachery, warned him to look to himfelf ; 
P 2 and 



212 The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

162.2. and withal ran off, and fo faved his own Life. But his 

^-— ^r — ' Mafter, out of his good Meaning, was fo void of Sufpicion, 

Sir Fra^!s^^^^ f^\i Qf Confidence, that they had flain him before he 

vemor. °" could, or would believe, they intended any Harm. Captain 

Nathaniel Powel, another of the Council, who had fome 

time been Governor of the Country, was alfo killed. He 

was one of the firft Planters, a brave Soldier, had deferved 

well in all Ways, was univerfally valued and efteemed by 

all Parties and Factions, and none in the Country better 

known among the Indian's. Yet they flew both him and 

his Family ; and afterwards haggled their Bodies, and cut 

off his Head, to exprefs their utmoft Height of Scorn and 

Cruelty. 

This Slaughter was a deep and grievous Wound to the 
yet weak and Infant Colony ; but it would have been much 
more general, and almoft univerfal, if God had not put it 
into the Heart of a converted Indian., to make a Difcovery. 
This Convert, whofe Name was Chanco., lived with one 
Richard Pace^ who treated him, as his own Son. The 
Night before the Maflacre, another Indian., his Brother, 
lay with him ; and telling him the King's Command, and 
that the Execution would be performed the next Day, he 
urged him to rife and kill Pace., as he intended to do by 
Perry., his Friend. As foon as his Brother was gone, the 
Chrijlian Indian rofe, and went and revealed the whole 
Matter to Pace ; who immediately gave Notice thereof to 
Captain William Powel., and having fecured his own Houfe, 
rowed off before Day to fames-Toivn., and informed the 
Governor of it. By this Means, their- Defign was pre- 
vented at 'James-Town., and all fuch Plantations, as could 
poflibly get Intelligence in time. For where-ever they faw 
the Englijh upon their Guard, or a fingle Mufket prefented, 
they ran ofF, and abandoned their Attempt. 

Such alfo, at other Places, as had fufficient Warning 
to make Refiflance, faved their Lives. Nathaniel Caufie., 
one of Captain Smith'?, old Soldiers, being cruelly wounded, 
did, with an Ax, cleave down one of their Sculls ; and 
tho' they were all about him, yet they fled away, and he 
efcaped. At another Place, two Men only, having Notice 
of their Defign, defended a Houfe againft fixty or more, 
that aflaulted it. At Warrafqueake., one Mr. Baldiuin., 
when his Wife was fo wounded, that (he lay for dead, yet 
by often difcharging his Piece, drove them off, and faved 
both her and his Houfe, together with himfelf and divers 
others. At Mr. Harrifon's., about half a Mile from Bald- 
win's, was Mr. Thomas Hamer., with fix Men, and eigh- 
teen or nineteen Women and Children. To him the /;;- 

diaiis^ 



Book IV. T/v History of VIRGINIA. 213 

d'lans came, with many Prefents and fair Profeflions. They i^--- 

pretended, they wanted Captain Ralph Hamer^ to go to " ^ ' 

their King, then hunting In the Woods. Mr. Homer {^nt^^ ^''""'"'^ 
immediately for his Brother, who was at a nev/ Houfe, ^^ ^^l^or. '^' 
was then building. But he not coming according to their 
Wifh, they fet Fire to a Tobacco Houfe, and came and 
told them in the Dwelling Houfe of it. The Men ran to- 
wards it ; and the Indians following, firft fhot them full of 
Arrows, and afterwards beat out their Brains. Mr. Hamer^ 
having finifhed a Letter he was writing, ran out to fee 
what was the Matter. But he foon received an Arrow in 
his Back, which obliged him to retire into the Houfe, and 
barricade the Doors. Hereupon the Indians fet Fire to the 
Houfe ; but Harrifons Boy, juft at that Inftant, finding 
his Mafter's Gun loaded, {hot at Random. At the bare 
Report, the Indians all fled ; and thereby left the Way 
open, to Mr. Hatner and twenty two more, to get to Bald- 
vjin\ Houfe. Captain Ralph Hamei\ all this while, was 
wholly ignorant of what was pafling ; but coming to his 
Brother, who had fent for him, he met the Indians^ cha- 
fing fome of the Englijh. Whereupon he retired to his 
new Houfe, and with only Spades, Axes, and Brickbats, 
defended himfelf and his Company, till the Savages depart- 
ed. Soon after, the Mafter of a Ship, lying near, and per- 
ceiving the Confufion, fent him fix MuH^eteers ; with whom 
he recovered their Merchant's Store-houfe, and armed ten 
more ; and fo, with thirty other unarmed Workmen, he 
found out his Brother and the reft, at Bald%vin\. But in 
the Midft of this miferable Slaughter and Uproar, a little 
Houfe and fmall Family, not far from Martin % Hundred, 
at which Place alone feventy three were flain, not only 
efcaped, but never heard any thing of it, till two Days after. 
A^T this time alfo. Captain Ralegh Crojhaw was in Pa- 
towmack River, trading in a fmall Bark, commanded by 
Captain Spilman. There an Indian ftole aboard, and told 
them of the Maffacre ; and that Opechancanough had been 
pra6lifing with his King and Country, to betray them, which 
they refufed to do ; but that the Indians of IVighcocornoco had 
undertaken it. Hereupon Captain Spilman went thither. 
But they, feeing his Men fo vigilant and well armed, fuf- 
pe6ted themfelves to be difcovered ; and therefore, the bet- 
ter to colour their Guilt, and delude him, they gave him 
fuch Satisfa6lion in his Trade, that his Vefl'el was foon near 
loaded. After this. Captain Crojhaw went up to Patow- 
mack. He had been long acquainted with that King ; who 
now very earneftly entreated him, to ftay with him, and to 
be his Friend, his Director, and Captain, againft feveral 
P 3 neigh- 




•The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

neighbouring Nations, his mortal Enemies. Crofioaw very 
readily embraced his Offer ; as well to promote fome pri- 
vate Views of his own in Trade, as to keep him firm to the 
Engli/}) Intereft, and make him an ufeful Opponent and In- 
ftrument againft Opechancamugh. Therefore, relying on 
the Faith of this Barbarian, he ventured, with one Man 
only, to ftay behind at Paiowmack. 

In the Beginning of this Year, before the Contrivance 
and Perpetration of this bloody Confpiracy in Virginia^ the 
unknown Gentleman in England^ who had given five hun- 
dred and fifty Pounds, towards the Converfion and Educa- 
tion of Indian Children, having waited two Years, and re- 
ceived no fatisfaftory Account of the effectual Profecution 
of his Defign, wrote a Letter to the Company. Herein 
he complains, that what was done in that Affair, did by no 
means anfwer his Expectation or Intent. And he requires, 
of the whole Body of the Company, towards which he ex- 
preffes much Refpeft, and an entire Confidence in their 
Uprightnefs and Integrity, that, as he had entrufted the Dif- 
pofal of that Money, a great and painfully gotten Part of his 
Eftate, to their Care and Management, fo they would fee 
the fame, fpeedily and faithfully applied, to the Ufe intended. 
And he further propofed to them, the procuring fome of the 
male Children of the Indians to be brought over into Efi- 
gland (where they might be immediately under the Com- 
pany's Eye and Infpe6tion) there to be educated and taught, 
and to wear a Habit, as the Children of Chriji-Church Hof- 
pital do. In that Cafe, he defires, that the five hundred 
and fifty Pounds might be converted to that Ufe ; and he 
faithfully promifes, to add four hundred and fifty Pounds 
more, to make the former Sum a thoufand, as foon as 
eight or ten Indian Children fhould be placed in London^ 
either iri Chri/F s-Hofpital^ or in the Virginia School or Hof- 
pital, as it might be called ; which, he doubted not, would 
be Yearly augmented, by the Legacies and Gifts of good 
Men. But if they liked not this Propofition, then it was 
his humble Suit and Motion, that the former Gift, of five 
hundred and fifty Pounds, fliould be immediately applied, 
and wholly befl:owed, upon a Free-fchool in Southainpton 
Hundred, or fuch other Place, as he or his Friends fhould 
approve : That in this School, properly endowed with fuch 
Privileges, as they, in their Wifdom, fhould think fit, both 
Englijh and Indians fhould be promifcuoufly taught and 
brought up together ; and that great Care fhould be taken, 
to fend over fuch a Mafler, as fhould bring a found Telti- 
monial, of his Sufficiency in Learning, and Sincerity of Life. 
And fo praying, that the Lord would give them wife and 

under- 



Book IV. TZv History ?/ VIRGINIA. 215 

underftanding Hearts, that his Work herein might not be 1622. 

negligently performed, he concludes, and fubfcribes himfelf' \^ ' 

Duji and Jjhes ; a Name which he had ever, from the firft, S'"" ^'■'^""'^ 
alTumed and made Ufe of, in this Affair. vemor 

This important Letter being read in Court, Sir Edwin 
Sandys gave the Company a particular Account of that 
whole Bufinefs : That the Money had been brought, in the 
Time of his being Treafurer : That, upon mature Deli- 
beration, it was refolved by the Company, to divide it be- 
tween Smith's^ since called Southampton Hundred, and Mar- 
tin s Hundred ; each to undertake for a certain Number of 
Infidel Children : That Martin % Hundred, being then in a 
very weak and confufed Condition, was afterwards, at the 
Entreaty of the Adventurers, eafed from that Burthen and 
Charge, and the Whole laid on Southampton Hundred : That 
that Society, confidering the Weight and Difficulty, as well 
as the Hazard of fucceeding, were alfo very unwilling to 
meddle with it, and offered an hundred Pounds, to be added 
to the former five hundred and fifty, if they might be ex- 
cufed from it ; but being earneftly prefTed, they did at laft 
yield to accept and undertake it : That after much and 
careful Confultation, it was agreed by that Society, to em- 
ploy the faid Money, together with a far greater Sum out 
of the Society's Purfe, to furnifh out Captain Bluet^ with 
eighty able and fufficient Workmen, for fetting up an Iron- 
Work in Virginia \ whereof the Profits accruing, were in- 
tended and ordered, in a ratable Proportion, to be faith- 
fully employed, in educating thirty Indian Children, ac- 
cording to the Directions and Intent of the Donor : That 
Letters were likewife fent to Sir George Teardley^ then Go- 
vernor of Virginia^ and Captain alfo of Southarnpton Plan- 
tation ; not only giving him large Advice and Direition 
therein, but alfo commending the Excellency and Piety of 
the Defign, and adjuring him to employ his utmoft Care 
and Induflry in it, as a Work, whereon the Eyes of God 
and Men were fixed : That in Anfwer hereto. Sir George 
informed them, how difficult it was to obtain any of the 
Children, with the Confent and good Liking of their Pa- 
rents ; as well on Account of their Tendernefs and Fond- 
nefs of them, as out of their Fear of hard Ufage from the 
EngUfh : That he therefore recommended a Treaty with 
Opechancanough ; which was accordingly ordered, and Sir 
Gaorge promifed, to ufe his utmofl Endeavours therein: 
That this Backwardnefs and Jealoufly of the Indians wz?, not 
the only Hindrance to that pious Work ; for Captain Bluet 
dying foon after his Arrival, it occafioned another great Stop : 
That, however, Care had fince been taken, to reflore that 
P 4 Iron- 




"The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

Iron- Work, by a frefti Supply ; fo that he hoped, the Gen- 
tleman would foon receive good Satisfaction, concerning the 
Sir Francis Y)\(^q(^\ ^j-,(J Effe6l of his Charity, as he was fure, they 
vemor °' would, at all times, be both ready and willing to give a 
faithful Account of the Employment of the faid Money. 

Sir Ediuin Sandys further (aid, that as he could not but 
highly commend the Gentleman, for this his worthy and 
moft chriftian A6lion, fo he had obferved great Inconveni- 
ency to arife from his Modeftv, by fhunning Oftentation and 
vain Glory, and concealing his Name. For they were there- 
by deprived of that mutual Help and Advice, which they 
might otherwiie have, by Conference with him. Neither 
could he receive fuch clear Satisfaction, or fully know, with 
what Integrity and Care, the Affair had been managed ; the 
fuccefs whereof muff be fubmitted to the Will and Pleafure 
of Almighty God, as it had been already commended to his 
Bleffing. But as to the two Methods, now propofed in his 
Letter, he doubted greatly for his Part, whether either of 
them would attain the defued Effedt. For, to fend for them 
to England^ would be far from anfwering the End, if he 
might judge from the Experience of thofe, brought over by 
Sir Thomas Dale. And to build a Free-fchool for them in 
Virginia., he feared, confidering, in their prefent Dotage on 
Tobacco, that no proper Workmen could be had, but at 
exceffive Rates, it would rather tend to exhauft this facred 
Treafure in fome fmall Edifice, than to accompliffi fuch a 
Foundation, as might fatisfy Mens Expectations and Defires. 
He therefore again wiflied, that a Meeting might be had, 
between the Gentleman, or his Friends, and the Society of 
Southampton Hundred. That fo, all things being fully de- 
bated, and judicioufly weighed, fome Courfe might be en- 
tered upon and purfued, for advancing and bringing to EffeCt 
fo pious and excellent a Work ; for which he prayed the 
Bleffing of Almighty God to be upon the Author : And all 
the Company anfwered, and faid. Amen. 

But this charitable Gentleman, however ffudious he was 
to conceal himfelf, was afterwards { if any Credit may be 
given to Captain Martin s Report ) found to be Mr. Ga- 
briel Barber., the chief Manager and Book-keeper of their 
Lotteries, and a very worthy, honeff, and ufeful Member 
of the Company. He was himfelf then prefent, and heard 
this Account, with which he feems to have been fatisfied. 
For he made no farther Demand or Stir in the Matter ; but 
continued afterwards, in the time of their fubfequent Quar- 
rels and Diffenfions, a very hearty and ffrenuous Friend to 
the Company. Mr. George Ruggles alfo. Fellow of Clare- 
Hall., in Cambridge., and a Brother of the Company, did, 

the 



Book IV. "The History of VIRGINIA. 217 

the latter End of this Year, notwithftanding the News of 1622. 

the Maflacre, bequeath an hundred Pounds, for the Educa-'^-^-v ' 

tion of Indians. He is reprefented as a Gentleman, who was ^"' P'''^""' 
efteemed, in that Univerfity, fecond to none in Knowledge ^^^^^l\ 
and Learning, of very great Wifdom and Underftanding, 
of fingular Honefly and Integrity of Life, and very fincere 
and zealous in Religion. And he had, for the three laft 
Years of his Life, almofi: wholly exercifed and employed his 
Time and Abilities, in the Service of the Colony. For, be- 
fides the Counlels and AfTiftancesof himfelfand his Brethren, 
in their feveral Places, he wrote divers Treatifes, for the 
Benefit of the Plantation ; particularly one concerning the 
Government of Firginia^ which is often mentioned, in the 
Company's Records, with Commendation, efpecially by 
Sir Edivin Sandys. 

But there fucceeding, immediately upon this violent and 
injurious Affault, a continual and exterminating War be- 
tween the EngUJ}:) and the Indians., all the Difficulties of their 
Converfion were greatly encreafed ; and I do not find, what 
farther was done, with Relation to thefe Benefa6lions. The 
College People alfo received a great and deadly Slaughter 
in the Maflacre ; which, together with the Death of Mr. 
Thorpe., their grand Principle of Life and A6lion, caufed 
them to abandon the College Lands, and to retire lower 
down the River, to fuch Places as were more defenfible 
againft the fudden AfTaults and Inroads of the Indians., be- 
caufe of the greater Numbers of People, and the nearer 
Situation, and more ready Affiftance, of other Plantations. 
Thus did that brutifh and unhappy People tear up, as it 
were, with their own Hands, the Foundations, which had 
been laid, for their Converfion to Chriftianity and Civility 
of Life. For altho' the Company, in London., did after- 
wards frequently enter upon ferious Confultation, about re- 
ftoring again and fetting forward this charitable Work, yet 
by reafon of their own Troubles, and of the Fa6fions and 
Difcords among themfelves, nothing therein was ever brought 
to Efi^ect. So that, from this time, there was no publick 
Attempt, nor any School or Inftitution, purpofely defigned 
for their Education and Converfion, before the Benefadtion 
of the late Plonourable Robert Boyle., Efq; which fhall be 
fully related, in its proper Time and Place. 

But whilft the Colony in Virginia lay under the Prefllire 
and Calamity of this bloody Mafl^acre, the Company in En- 
gland were greatly rejoiced and encouraged, by the favour- 
able Account of things, which they received, about that 
time, from the Governor and Council. For they were in- 
formed, by their Letters, that all the Ships were fafely arrived, 
^^ without 



2i8 The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

1622. without the Lofs of one Perfon, by Sea or Land ; that Mr. 
^--^v""^ yohn Berkeley had put the Iron Works in fo good a For 
S^ Francn wardncfs, that he doubted not to begin to make Iron, by 
vemor. "" ^hitfuntide \ that the Cotton Trees profpered exceedingly 
well ; that the French?nen declared the Mulberry Trees of 
Virginia to be of the very beft Kind ; and daily, by their 
Example, encouraged the People to plant them in Abun- 
dance, fo that they were in high Expectation, of fhortly 
fucceeding in, and bringing to Perfection, that rich Com- 
modity of Silk ; that the French Vignerons had conceived 
great Hopes, of fpeedily making Plenty of good Wine, 
whereof they had already made an Experiment, and fent 
home a Tafte by that Ship ; and in fhort, that they now 
had a fairer Profpe£t, and more certain Hope, than ever yet, 
of foon becoming a rich and flourifliing Country. For 
which joyful News, and happy Succefs, the Company voted 
and refolved, that a Sermon fhould be preached, to teftify 
and exprefs their Thankfulnefs to God, for his Blefling on 
their Labours and Undertaking. And Mr. Copeland^ a Bro- 
ther of the Society, who, by his hearty Zeal for the En- 
terprife, was well acquainted with the Succefs of their Af- 
fairs, for the laft Year, was requefted to undertake the 
Performance of this holy Exercife ; which he accordingly 
did, at Bow Church, the 17th Day o{ April. 

Mr. Copeland w?iS, alfo himfelf, foon after, publickly en- 
treated by the Company, to go over in Perfon to Virginia^ 
and to apply himfelf to the Miniftry there. And in Con- 
fideration of his good Services and worthy Endeavours, 
which had redounded much to the Honour and Benefit of 
the Colony, as alfo in RefpeCt of his known Sufficiency and 
Worth, they conftituted him one of the Council of State, 
and appointed him Re6tor of the College for the Converfion 
of Indians^ to receive, as a Salary, the tenth Part, of the 
Profits arifmg from their Lands and the Labours of their 
Tenants ; and alfo to have the Paftoral Charge of the College 
Tenants about him, which were to be erected into a Par- 
fonage, according to the Company's general Order in that 
Behalf. But this Defign, together with all their fanguine 
Hopes and Ideas of an immediately rich and profperous 
Country, was dafhed to Pieces, and cut off, by the Mafla- 
cre. The Iron-Work on Falling Creek, in particular, 
was entirely ruined and demolifhed, and Mr. John Berkeley 
flain, with all his Workmen and People, except one Boy 
only and a Girl, who found Means to hide themfelves, and 
efcape. Their Preparations likewife, for other Commodi- 
ties and Manufactures, were quite destroyed and deferted ; 
the People, all this Summer, being in fuch a State of Ter- 
ror 



Book IV. T:he History of VIRGINIA. 219 

ror and Flight, that they did not even make Corn for their ^^22. 
Support and Subfiftence. "^-"^v"-^ 

To this fad Pofture of Affairs in the Colony, was added ^j;:J"''^J^j* 
the continual Increafe of the Company's Dilfenfions and A-yer,jor, 
nimofities at home, which became daily more furious and 
irreconcileable. Captain Argall and that Faction, omitted 
no imaginable Methods of Vexation and Trouble ; and the 
more to difparage and perplex the Company's Proceedings, 
they were perpetually raifing new Authors and frefh Sub- 
je61:s of Complaint, as well to the Publick, as moft efpe- 
cially to the King, and to the great Lords and powerful 
Perfons of his Court. It hath been already faid, that Cap- 
tain fohn Martin came over, one of the Council of State, 
in the firft Adventure ; and there hath been frequent Oc- 
cafion fmce, to mention his weak Condu6l and Behaviour 
here. This Gentleman was well born, and nearly related 
to Sir Julius Ccrfar^ then Mafter of the Rolls. In the Time 
of Sir Thofnas Smith's Treafurerfliip, he had furreptitioufly 
obtained a Grant, to be Mafter of the Ordinance in Hr- 
ginia ; as alfo a moft extravant and illegal Patent for Land, 
at the Place, which he himfelf named Martin's Brandon. 
For, by the exprefs Words of his Majefty's Charter, the 
Company was reftrained to their four great and general 
Quarter Courts, one to be held each Term, for tranfa£ting 
any Bufinefs of great Importance, and particularly for grant- 
ing Lands in Firginia. But both thefe Grants, to Captain 
Martin^ had been palTed in a private Court, called purpofely 
for that Jobb, and could never after receive the Aflent and 
Confirmation of a Quarter Court. For the Company, be- 
ing apprifed of the Matter, ftrongly oppofed their Execu- 
tion, and endeavoured to keep them from taking Effect. 
Captain Argall in particular, when Governor of Virginia^ 
had fent home grievous Complaints, againft the Exorbitan- 
cies of Martin's Patent and Behaviour ; and both Sir Tho- 
mas Smith and Alderman Johnfon^ at that time Treafurer 
and Deputy of the Company, had been willing and aflifting, 
to ftop and prevent thefe Grants from being further con- 
firmed, and receiving the legal San6lion of a Quarter Court. 

But now, the Company's witholding Captain Martin 
from the Fruition of thofe Privileges and Immunities, which 
appeared to have been granted under their Seal, being, at 
firft Sight, a fpecious Pretence of Clamour and Complaint, 
which might be turned to difgrace and vilify the Juftice and 
Honour. of their Proceedings, thefe very Gentlemen infti- 
gated and aflifted him, to get a Certificate under the Hands 
of feveral noble Lords, and others, and to have it delivered 
in to the Company, by one Captain Hafwell. The Pur- 
port 



220 The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

1622. port of this Writing was : That whereas Joint Martin Efq; 

"^ V — -^having been a long and faithful Servant to the Colony of 

Sir Francis j/irgifjja^ dcfired a Teftimonial of his Carriage and De- 
vemor °"meanor in all things, according to their Knowledge and 
the Truth, they did thereby certify : That, by the general 
Confent of his Majefty's Council in England^ for Virginia^ 
the faid Captain John Martin was, in the P'ace of the pub- 
lick and open Court, elected, chofen, and fworn, one of 
his Majefty's firft Council of Firginia : That afterwards, 
in the faid honourable and open Court, he was, with the 
free and full Confent thereof, appointed, chofen, and 
fworn, Mafter of the Ordinance in the faid Colony : That, 
befides his firft Adventure, which was very laudable and 
good, he had, ever fince, conftantly and very worthily en- 
dured all the Miferies and Calamities of fore-paft Times, 
with the Lofs of his Blood, the Death of his only Son (the 
fole Hope and Comfort of his Age) together with Sicknefs, 
P'amine, and many other inexpreflibly hard and miferable 
Sufferings : That he had alfo providently and very careful- 
ly endeavoured all the Good and Benefit to the Plantation, 
that was in his Power ; in all things, upholding and labour- 
ing to maintain, with equal Juftice and Clemency, all his 
Majefty's Laws, Prerogatives, and Rights whatfoever : 
That for thefe honeft and worthy Services, They, the Com- 
pany and Council for his Majefty, refident in England^ had 
formerly granted him fundry Privileges, by Charter under 
their Great Seal, for fettling a private Plantation upon his 
own Allotment of Land in Firginia ; wherein he had fince 
proceeded with much Charge and Expence, and for which 
they neither faw nor knew any Reafon, why he fhould not 
be permitted to enjoy the fame, according to the true Intent 
and Meaning of his faid Grant. 

This Certificate was figned by the Earls of Pembroke^ 
Warwick^ Leicejhr^ and Montgomery^ by Lord Sheffield^ 
Sir Robert Manfel^ Sir Thoinas Smithy Alderman Johnfon^ 
Captain Argall^ and a few others, to the Number of twelve 
in all. Being prefented to the Company, they conceived 
themfelves much wronged and affronted, that a {q^n Mem- 
bers of their Body fhould, in this Paper, afi^ume to them- 
felves the Name and Authority of the whole Company ; 
ftiling themfelves, We^ the Company and Council for his 
Majejly^ here refident in England. And they found them- 
felves under a Neceffity of doing fomething, to avoid the 
foul Afperfion, contained therein, as if they now went a- 
bout to difavow their own A61 and Deed ; as alfo to pre- 
vent the evil Confequences, that might follow, and the ill 
Conftrudions, that might be made thereon. Being there- 
fore 



Book IV. The History ^/^ VIRGINIA. 221 

fore fully apprifed, that fome of the Lords, and others, had 1622. 

been miilead and betrayed into it, by the falfe Reprefenta- ' ■, ' 

tions and malicious Pra6lices of the reft, they drew up an ^''' ^''""'^'^ 
Anfwer, and ordered their Secretary to make divers Copies vendor °" 
thereof, which they entreated Sir yobn Davers and Mr. 
Tojiilins^ to deliver, as well to fuch Lords as had figned 
the Certificate, as alfo to his Majefty's Mafters of Requeft. 
For, by reprefenting Captain Martin^ as labouring to main- 
tain the King's Laws, Prerogatives, and Rights (a Stile 
exacSlly fuited to the Tafte and Views of the Court) it was 
eafy to perceive, which Way it was chiefly intended and 
addreiled. But as to the other Subfcribers, the Secretary 
was commanded, to deliver each of them a Copy himfelf. 

I N this Anfwer they fet forth : That the Company are 
limited and dire6ted, by his Majefty's Charters, to their 
Quarter Courts only, for paffing of all Matters of greateft 
Weight, and particularly for difpofing of Lands in Virginia : 
That, contrary to this fundamental Law, notoriouflv known 
to all the Company, and frequently publiflied and declared 
to the Planters, as an Ordinance from his A'lajefty to be in- 
violably obferved. Captain Martin ■& two Grants were pre- 
fented to an inferior private Court, ready engrofled, the 
Company not being before acquainted with the Matter : 
That by this Court, called extraordinarily, and as it feems, 
for this Bufinefs only, the faid Patents were unlawfully and 
unduly palled, notwithftanding the Diflent and Oppofition 
of divers then prefent ; and that they never could after- 
wards have the Confirmation of a Quarter Court : That 
the faid Patent for Land contained fundry tranfcendent Li- 
berties and exorbitant Privileges, apparently repugnant to 
Juftice and the good Government of the Colony, and 
which the Company, by his Majefty's Charters, had no 
Power to grant : That therein was given an Exemption of 
all the People within the Limits of his Patent, from the 
Command and Government of the Governor and Council, 
and from all other Charges and Services of the Colony 
whatfoever, except in Cafe of War only ; as likewife a 
Grant of an unlimited Fifliing, of the fifth Part of all rich 
Mines, with many other general and indefinite Liberties : 
That, under Colour of thefe extraordinary Privileges, ma- 
ny great Inconveniences had arifen, to both the Company 
and Colony : That Captain Martin refufed to fubmit him- 
felf to the Laws and Orders of Government there : That 
his Plantation was made a Receptacle and Harbour for all 
diflolute Perfons, who fly thither from ordinary Juftice : 
That all thefe, and many other Mifchiefs, had been often 
complained of by the Colony, in their particular and gene- 
ral 



222 rhe History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

1622. ral Aflemblies ; as alfo by the Governors there, and moft 

/ '^ ^ efpecially by Captain Jrgall^ notwithftanding his Subfcrip- 

Sir Francis j-jq^i to this Certificate : That, upon his Letter to the Com- 
vernor, "' P^^Yi ^" Order was made, in a Great and General Quarter 
Court, held in May 16 18, and a Committee appointed, to 
examine and reform the faid Patent : That Sir Tho?nas 
Smith and Alderman John/on then prefided, as Treafurer 
and Deputy to the Company ; fo that it feemed ftrange to 
them, to find their Hands alfo to that Certificate, contra- 
dicSting the A61 of that Great Court, wherein themfelves 
were the principal Managers and Direftors : That the faid 
Inconveniencies had moreover been lately teftified, by feveral 
Perfons, before the Company, in open Court : But that the 
Company had neverthelefs frequently ofl:ered, and was always 
ready to grant Captain Martin (whofe Merits they fhould 
be glad to hear of, and to cherifli) upon the Surrender of 
his former, a new Patent, with as large and ample Privi- 
leges, as any other had, or could enjoy. 

Notwithstanding the Truth, Juftice, and Rea- 
fonablenefs of this Anfwer, Captain Martin preferred a 
Petition to the King, containing many fcandalous Suggef- 
tions, as well againfl: the whole Body of the Company, as 
againft fome fpecial Members in particular. And he ob- 
tained an Order from his Majefty, to have his Caufe heard 
and determined, at Sir Thomas Smith's Houfe, before fuch 
Referees, as he himfelf named ; among which were thofe, 
who chiefly inftigated and fet him on. In Anfwer to this, 
the Company made two AddrefTes ; one to the Referees, in 
like Manner as they had done in the Cafe of the Certifi- 
cate ; and the other to the King, as well to clear the Com- 
pany and fuch particular Perfons, as ftood accufed and de- 
famed in Martin's Petition, as alfo to inform his Majefty, 
that fome of thofe, unto whom the Reference was procu- 
red, were violently fufpecSled, to be Captain Martin's chief 
Abettors and Supporters in this Aft^air. They therefore 
defired, that the Matter might be referred, together with 
thofe Lords in Martin's Reference, to certain other. Lords 
of the Privy Council, whom they named. But upon Lord 
Cavendijh's prefenting this, his Majefty faid, that he was 
much furprifed at this new Cuftom, lately fprung up, that 
Petitioners fliould chufe their own Referees. To which his 
Lordfliip anfwered ; that, in that Point, Captain Martin 
had been their Example, who in his Petition, which his 
Lordfliip then produced and fhewed his Majefty, had named 
his own Referees, which his Majefty had approved and ap- 
pointed accordingly. 

B UT 



Book IV. T'be History of VIRGINIA. 223 

But not content to give the Company this Trouble and 1622. 

Difturbance, Captain Martin^ together with one Captain ' r ' 

Robert //<7/w^//, prefented another Petition to his Majefty, ^"^ -^'■''"'^" 
fetting forth: That in the Time of Sir Thomas Dale's, ^^^^J^ 
Government, there was a large Quantity of Woodland, 
Marfli, and other Ground, being in Circumference by 
Eftimation about fourfcore Miles, for which Sir Thomas 
Dale compounded with Powhatan^ the Indian King, and 
bounded the fame by Trees, and other Marks of perpetual 
Knowledge and Remembrance, with a folemn Proceffion of 
many of his Majefty's Subjeils, then and there living, com- 
manding Notice to be taken thereof, to be, and always fo . 
called and entitled. The King's Fore/i : That within the 
faid Foreft, there was of Deer and wild Hogs a very great 
Number ; which being preferved, with Care and Judgment, 
from the Spoil and Havock, which continually was, and 
would be made, both of them and their Brood, the Colony 
might therein have a conftant Stock and Support, and Ship- 
ping might, at all times, be plentifully vi6lualled and fup- 
plied : And that there were befides, within thofe Limits, 
many other profitable Commodities, already known. They 
therefore humbly befought his moft facred Majefty, to take 
the faid Foreft into his own Royal Hands, and to appoint 
fome honourable Perfon, to be Commander thereof, autho- 
rifing him, to give Order for converting the Plantations 
thereon to his Majeity's beft Ufe and Behoof, and for ap- 
pointing a Juftice of Oyer, and Rangers, with fuch other 
Officers, as fliould be thought moft proper and convenient 
for the faid Foreft and Plantation. 

To fuch a Height of Falfliood, Fraud, and Impofture, 
did the Paffions of thefe unhappy Men carry them, as thus 
to give the King at once, as far as it was in their Power, all 
the Lands and Pofleffions of a very great and principal 
Part of the Colony ; who had, by their Labours and Suf- 
ferings, ftruck out new Branches of Trade and Profit to 
the King and Nation, and well deferved all Manner of In- 
dulgence, and the utmoft Security and Stability in their 
Properties. But King yames was not of a Temper, to 
forego any Views of Profit and Advantage. He therefore 
referred the Examination of the Matter to Sir Ch)-i/iopher 
Perkins^ one of the Mafters of Requefts ; who fummoning 
the Company, received for Anfwer : 

That they held not their Lands from King Poiuhatan^ 
nor acknowledged any King of Virginia^ but King James : 
That it was true, for a perpetual Memorial and permanent 
Honour to his Majefty and his Royal Ifl'ue, they had named 
their chief Towns, and other moft remarkable Places, after 

the 




Ty^^- History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

the King and his Children : That they however fuppofed, 
this did no way alter the Property of Inheritance in thofe 
Places, which his Majefty, by Letters-patent under the 
Great Seal of England^ had granted to the faid Company, 
for and throughout all Virginia : That as to the King's 
Foreft, it was a Name happily known to Captain Martin 
and his Aflociates, but never before heard of by the Com- 
pany : That within the Circuit, which they had been 
pleafed to appropriate for the Foreft, were placed James- 
City^ their chief Town, and Place of Refidencefor the Go- 
vernor and Council, and divers other principal Seats and 
Plantations : That as for the Deer, it was true, the whole 
Country did generally abound in them ; but the Swine were 
no other, but the Breed of fuch as had been tranfported 
thither by the Company : That Captain Martin was a Per- 
fon, who had ruined his own Eftate, (if ever he had any) as 
alfo the Eftates of others, who had put him in Truft : 
That he made his Territory in Virginia a Receptacle of 
Vagabonds and Bankrupts ; and was famous for nothing, 
but all Kinds of bafe Conditions and AcElions, as had been 
publiflied in Print, above ten Years before : That he had 
been therefore difplaced from the Council, by Lord Dela- 
luarr^ as a moft unworthy Perfon, who had prefumed, of 
his own Authority, no ways derived from his Majefty, to 
pafs unjuft Sentence of Death upon divers of his Majefty's 
SubjecSts, and to fee the fame put into cruel Execution : 
That it was therefore a Matter of great Surprife to them, 
to find such a Man dare to offer himfelf to his Majefty, as 
an Agent, either for Matter of good Hufbandry, or good 
Government : That as to Captain Hafivell^ he was nei- 
ther Adventurer in the Company, nor Planter in the Colo- 
ny, but a mere Stranger to both ; nor otherwife known to 
them, than as Interpreter to a Polonian Lord, of his own 
creating : That however, if the King was pleafed, to have 
a Royal Domain laid off" for him in Virginia^ nothing could 
be more joyful and agreeable to the faid Council and Com- 
pany, nor wherein they would more willingly employ their 
Endeavours. 

At the fame time, Mr. Pierce^ who had been Cape- 
Merchant in Virginia^ underftanding, that Captain Martin 
denied, that he ever protected any within his Territories, 
averred, that he had delivered feveral Warrants, to be 
ferved upon Perfons, that lived loofely within Captain 
Martini Plantation, and that the Provoft Marflial made 
Return, that the faid Captain Martin refifted the Officer, 
and drew Arms upon him, and would not fuffer him to 
execute the faid Warrants. Others alfo affirmed, that it 



Book IV. rhe History of VIRGINIA. 225 

was generally reported in Virginia^ that Captain Martin's 1622. 
Plantation was a Place of Refuge for all Debtors; and^"" — y— -^ 
that, if he had been of Power, there would have been no ^^ F'-anas 
living in Firghiia. To which Mr. fefferfon added ; that, ^^^'^^^ 
to his Knowledge, Captain Martin^ being fummoned, had 
refufed to obey the General Affemblies. All which, they 
all declared themfelves to be ready and willing, whenever 
required, to confirm and juftify upon Oath. Wherefore, 
in a Cafe of this clear Evidence and Truth, Captain Mar- 
tin was not able to carry his Point againft the Company. 
He was afterwards induced to deliver up his illegal Patent 
in open Court, to be cancelled ; and Orders were given for 
drawing a new one, with as large and ample Privileges, 
as the Earl of Southampton^ or any other Adventurer had. 
But when this was drawn. Captain Martin complained, 
that he was therein abridged of a great Quantity of Land, 
granted in his former Patent. For, in that, ten Shares 
were given him, in Reward of his Services ; and he pre- 
tended, that each of thofe Shares ought to be live hun- 
dred Acres of Land ; and he therefore claimed five thou- 
fand Acres. For this, he defired that Spot of Land, as he 
called it, at Martin's Brandon^ where he had formerly 
feated, containing about fix thoufand Acres, with all 
Marfhes and funken Grounds thrown in, as an Overplus. 
But the Court, having never heard of any Shares of five 
hundred Acres, and finding it exprefly direifed by their 
Charters, that no Share fliould exceed an hundred Acres, 
abfolutely refufed to grant his Demand. Plowever, to 
give him Satisfadion, if poflible, they gave him to a cer- 
tain Day, to produce any Inftance or Evidence, that there 
had ever been Shares of five hundred Acres, and promifed, 
to fliew him all lawful Favour. But he afterwards per- 
verfely demanded the Re-delivery of his old Patent ; and 
the Court, being quite wearied out with his Obftinacy and 
Impertinence, gave him for their laft and refolute Anfwer ; 
That, if he would accept fuch a Patent, as they could law- 
fully grant, he might have it ; but as for his old Patent, 
they could not deliver it to him again, being void, not fo 
much by his Refignation, as by the Extravagance and Ille- 
gality of the Grant itfelf. Whereupon he went away, and 
never fpared, upon all Occafions, to load many very wor- 
thy and deferving Members of the Company, with all pof- 
fible Scandal and Reproach. But at laft he accepted the 
new Patent, and pretended to be fully reconciled to the Com- 
pany; and came to Virgitiia^ with a Recommendation from 
the Privy Council, and by their Means and Interpofition, 
even from the Company themfelves ; which Favour he 
81 Q_ accordingly 




"The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

accordingly requited, by propagating and fpreading through 
the Country all the Falftioods and Calumnies againft them, 
Sir Frawcn that he could invent or utter. 

fVyat, Go- But befides Captain Martin^ fome others were raifed 
vernor, ^p ^^^ fuborncd, to givc in Complaints to the King, againft 
the Company. One Jdam Dixon^ in his Petition, pre- 
tended to have been hired, for the Service of the Company 
and Colony, as Mafter-Calker of their Ships and VefTels in 
Virginia^ at thirty fix Shillings a Month, and that having 
ferved them many Years, he only had received three 
Pounds thirteen Shillings ; fo that there v\ras now due to 
him an hundred and fifty Pounds, or there-abouts : That 
Captain Argall alfo, in the time of his Government, had 
given him and one fohn Berry a Piece of uncleared Ground, 
on which they had expended an hundred Pounds in a 
Houfe ; but that, contrary to all Juftice and Equity, they 
had been turned out of their faid Houfe and Ground, the 
former Year, by Sir George Teardley^ to their great Dif- 
comfort and utter Undoing. To this the Company an- 
fwered : That the Matters of the faid Petition were to 
them utterly unknown ; that there was not, in their Books, 
the leaft mention of any fuch Officer or Contrad ; nei- 
ther had they any Inducements, to believe it to be true: 
That if any iuch thing had pafled, it muft have been in Sir 
Thomas Smith's Time, to whom they referred him, for An- 
fwer and Satisfa6lion : That as to the Outrage and Wrong, 
pretended to have been done by Sir George Teardley^ the 
Petitioner had never yet complained thereof to them ; but 
they would take a Courfe for fpeedy Juftice therein, by 
commending the Matter to the Care and Examination of 
the Governor and Council in Virginia. And the Afi-air was' 
accordingly examined and tried in our General Court, the 
2ift of January 1623-4. It then appeared, by the Oath 
of Thomas Gates and the faid Jdam Dixon., that they, to- 
gether with John Berry and Thomas Dingley., were hired 
by Sir Thomas Smith., upon Wages, for a certain Term ; 
that their Wages were not only never paid, but they them- 
felves were detained, many Years longer, in very hard Ser- 
vitude ; and that at laft, to free themfelves, they were 
obliged to give Captain Argall an Acquittance, under their 
Hands, for their Wages ; without which, he threatened, 
they ftiould never be fet free. And they further fwore, 
that Captain Argall kept them a Year after, in his own 
proper Service, without any Allowance of either Wages 
or Cloaths. But I cannot find, in our Records, that they 
profecuted or made any Complaint here, againft Sir George 
Teardley., about their Houfe and Land. 

One 



Book IV. rbe History of VIRGINIA. 227 

One WilliaTn Kemp alfo prefented a Complaint to his ^622. 

Majefty, of the Grievances of certain Inhabitants of Kic- ^ 1 ' 

quotayi in Virginia; that IViUiam Julian^ John BuJJ)^ ^^-^^Sk Francis 
fome others, ancient Planters, and deferving Inhabitants ofy^;*jfj_ 
the beft mechanical Trades, had been turned out of their 
lawful Pofleflions, by Sir George Teardley^ with many Cir- 
cumftances of Oppreflion and Cruelty. To which the 
Company anfwered : That the Parties, pretended to be 
wronged, had never made any Complaint to them : That 
Kemp had been in England above a Year, and had never 
laid the Matter before the Council and Company, where 
Juftice might have been done : That he did not even pre- 
tend to have Authority from the Parties grieved, to exhibit 
this Complaint to his Majefty : That they therefore faw no 
Caufe, to believe his Allegations to be true ; but fufpeiled 
him, rather to be fet on by the Malice of others, than 
moved by his own Zeal for Right and Juftice : That how- 
ever, according to their Cuftom in Caufes of the like Na- 
ture, they would, by the firft Opportunity, tranfmit this 
Complaint to the Governor and Council in Virginia ; that, 
if there appeared any Truth in any Part thereof, they 
might proceed, as well to the due Redrefs of the faid Grie- 
vances, as to the condign Puniftiment of the Authors and 
Delinquents. And this Complaint appears, from our Re- 
cords, to have had this Foundation in Truth and Matter 
of Fa6t ; that fome Perfons had fet down, at Kicquotan^ 
upon the publick Land of the Company, and were obliged, 
by the Governor and Council, to go off. But they how- 
ever had, either by this time or afterwards, (I cannot ex- 
a6lly fay which) Satisfadion made them for their Clearing 
and Improvements. 

Captain Mattheiu Somers^ who had returned to Ejz- 
gland W\t\\ his Uncle's Body, in the Year 1610, had, long 
before this, been a Prifoner in the King's Bench. From 
thence he often pelted and tiezed the Company, with an 
extravagant Demand for his Uncle's Adventure ; and altho' 
fomething confiderable in Adventure appeared, by their 
Books, to be due to Sir George Somers^ yet they refufed to 
pafs it over to him, becaufe he had an elder Brother in the 
Country, who was Heir at Law to Sir George^ and he could 
not make fufficient Proof, that either his Uncle had be- 
queathed it by Will, or that his Brother had made over all 
his Right and Intereft therein to him. In this time there- 
fore of prefenting Petitions to the King, Captain Somers alfo 
preferred his ; informing bis Majefty : That Sir George So- 
mers was forced, by Strefs of Weather, to fave himfelf and 
Company, on the Iflands of Bermudas^ where he loft his 
Q. 2 Ship, 



228 The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

1622. Ship, and foon after, his Life : That he, the Petitioner, 
being his immediate Heir, and then prefent, built a fmall 
Bark, to convey his Company to England; and left three 
Men, to continue the Pofleflion of thofe Iflands, in his 
Majefty's Name : That the Virginia Company, hearing 
of this Difcovery, challenged thofe Iflands, as their Right, 
altho' they were above an hundred Leagues v^'ithout the 
Limits of their Grant ; and they fent a Governor, v^ith 
Men, to take the Pofleflion from his Majefty : That find- 
ing the Petitioner's Men had, by their Induftry, found a 
Cake of Ambergreafe of an hundred and fixty Pounds 
Weight, the faid Governor took it violently from them, 
for the Ufe of the Company, who fold it for twelve thou- 
fand Pounds, and likewife threatened Violence to the poor 
Men, to make them confefs more : That the faid Compa- 
ny, fliortly after, fold the faid Iflands to a particular Com- 
pany, for two thoufand Pounds ; and the poor Petitioner 
could never yet obtain any thing, either for his Adventure 
or otherwife, altho' he had long and often folicited it, to 
his great Charge and utter Undoing : That thefe, and no 
other Comforts, could they, the ancient Adventurers, re- 
ceive from the Company ; and therefore he humbly befought 
his Majeflry, to take into Confideration his own Royal Rights 
therein, and to give Order for the Relief of him, the poor 
Petitioner. 

To this falfe and exaggerated Account of that Affair, the 
Somer-IJlands Company gave in, for Anfwer, much the fame 
in Subrtance and Purport, as I have before related concern- 
ing it. And as for Captain Somers^ they deny him to have 
any juft Pretence, to ftile himfelf, either an ancient Adven- 
turer, or Planter. For he made a very fhort Abode there ; 
and contrary to his Duty and Truft, returned fuddenly to 
England^ where he had ever fince continued, without per- 
forming the leafl: Service to either Plantation. They confefs, 
that a Block of Ambergreafe of very great Value was found, 
of which they got about a third Part ; but v/ere not able to 
deliver in an exa£l Account of its Worth, becaufe Sir Tho- 
mas Smithy at that time Governor and Treafurer of their 
Company, had hitherto refufed to give in any Account of 
their Treafury. And they further fay, that they conceived 
the Right to that Ambergreafe to be in the Virginia Com- 
pany, at whofe Charge, and in whofe Service, thofe three 
Men had been fet out and employed ; but that they had 
neverthelefs, fince compounded with the Finders, fo that none 
of them had any juft Caufe of Complaint, and leaft of all 
Captain Somers^ who could have no Title or Pretence of In- 
tereft therein. 

As 



vernor. 



Book IV. r/:c History of VIRGINIA. 229 

As Captain yfrgail hzd been long and ailively employed 1622. 
in Virginia^ and was confequently well acquainted with moll "— '^r- — ' 
Perfons and Paffages there, he was ftrongly fufpefted to be Sir Francis 
at the Bottom of thefe Complaints and Petitions againft the "^''"' ^^"' 
Company. They therefore, on their Part, refolved to pur- 
fue their Profecution againft him with greater Vigor ; and 
they appointed a fele6l Committee, to warn him perempto- 
rily to exhibit his Accounts, and to make a full and fubftan- 
tial Anfwer to fuch things, as the Company fliould charge 
him withal. But he, being a Man of good Senfe and Ca- 
pacity, and of great Induftry and Refolution, ftill foiled 
and perplexed their Proceedings, and gave them much Trou- 
ble and Annoyance, without their being able to bring him 
to any Account or Punifliment, for all his unrighteous 
Gains and Extortions in Virginia. 

Captain Samuel Each was fent, this Summer, in a 
large Ship of three or four hundred Tons, to build a Block- 
houfe or Fort, on thofe Banks which lie out in James River, 
near Blunt Point. This was defigned, to command the 
Paffage up the River ; and it was judged, by divers of the 
Inhabitants, to be that, which ought firft to be attempted, 
and would be moft eafily effected. Captain Each alfo, v/ho 
was efteemed a very honeft and fkilful Man, having viewed 
the Place, when in Virginia., thought the thing very feafible. 
But this Undertaking, like many others, ended with great 
Charge to the Company, and without any real Effect: or 
Advantage. However, in this Ship went over the Lady 
Wyat., and Mr, Barret., a Mafter-Shipwright, (whom Cap- 
tain Smith calls Captain Banuick) with twenty five Men, 
to build Ships and Boats, together with many Houfe-car- 
penters for the £^/?-/;/,r//<? School, and other Ufes. All thefe 
Perfons, for publick Services, were fent in the common 
Method, ufed ever fince the Company's Fund was exhauft- 
ed, by the voluntary Subfcription of the Adventurers to a 
Roll. And I likewife find, that one Mr. Howe., who ftiles 
himfelf a Chronicler, made a Demand upon the Company, 
about this time, for twelve Pounds of Tobacco ; which, 
he faid, had been promifed him annually, in Confideration 
of his Pains and VN^illingnefs to ferve the Company, and to 
relate, in his Book, the feveral Paflages concerning Vir- 
ginia. They granted him his Penfion for that Year, which 
he moft thankfully accepted. But he either never perforni- 
ed the Service, or is at leaft a Writer of that Obfcurity and 
Infignificancy, that I neither knov/, nor can find any thing 
of him. 

Before the Election of Officers came on this Year, 

the Comoany, in a previous Court, exprefied their 8;reat 

Q_ 3 Satif- 



vernor. 



230 "The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

i6ia. Satisfa6lion in the Earl of Southaviptons Adminiftration ; 

' Y — -^and they made it their humble Defire and Entreaty to his 

Sir Franch Lordfhip, which was entered upon their Records, that he 
.JZll °' would vouchfafe, to hold the Place of Treafurer, for one 
Year more. But the Earl of Southampton was very obnoxi- 
ous to the Court, on Account of his Principles of Liberty, 
and his bold and refolute Oppofition to an exceffive Prero- 
gative. The King therefore endeavoured once more, to put 
him out of the Government of the Company. For, at the 
time of ElecSlion, Alderman HatnerJJey and Mr. Bell deli- 
vered a Meflage, in his Majefly's Name, fignifying : That 
altho' it was not his Defign or Defire, to infringe their Free- 
dom of Ele6lion, yet it would be highly pleafing to his Ma- 
jefty, if they would make Choice, for Treafurer and Depu- 
ty, of any of thofe Gentlemen, whofe Names were written 
in a Paper, then prefented to the Court. In this. Sir John 
Woljienholme, Sir William Rujel, Mr. Clltheroe, Mr. Mau- 
rice Abbot^ and Mr. Handford^ were propofed to their Choice 
for Treafurer ; and for Deputy, Mr. Leat^ Mr. Robert 
Offley, Mr. Stiles, Mr. Jbdy, and Mr. Bateman. The 
Company exprefled great Joy and Satisfaftion, for this Tef- 
timony of his Majefty's Notice and good Wifhes to the Co- 
lony, and of his gracious Intention, not to infringe their 
Privilege of free Election. But becaufe, by their Rules and 
Orders, three only at a time could fland for either of thofe 
Places, they firfl: put it to the Vote, which two, of the five 
recommended by the King for Treafurer, fhould be put in 
Election, with one, whom the Companv fiiould name. 
Mr. CUthcroe and Adr. Handford were chofen to ftand in E- 
leilion, and the Company named the Earl of Southampton ; 
who was, upon the Ballot, chofen by a vaft Majority, he 
having an hundred and feventeen Balls, Mr. Clltheroe thir- 
teen, and Mr. Handford feven. In like Manner, they chofe 
Mr. Leat and Mr. Batejuan, to ftand for the Place of De- 
puty Treafurer, to whom the Company added Mr. Nicho- 
las Farrar, who was alfo elected, by having an hundred 
and three Balls, Mr. Bateman ten, and Mr. Leat eight. 

The Earl of Southa?npton -w^.?, then abfent ; and indeed 
feems, purpofely to have abftained from their Courts at fuch 
times, to fhew, that thefe things were carried, not by any 
Art or Ambition of his own, but merely by the free Choice, 
and unbiafled Affedion of the Company. But Mr. Nicho- 
las Farrar, being prefent, took his Place, as Deputy Trea- 
furer, and returned Thanks to the Company, for this ho- 
nourable Teftimony of their Love and Efteem, wherein he 
fhould, all his Life, exceedingly glory and rejoice. And he 
farther declared his Senfe of the Weight and Difficultv of the 

'Office, 



Book IV. "The History of VIRGINIA. 231 

Office, and of his own Inability. But not to trouble them 162,2. 

with any felf-denying Intreaties, he promifed, to the Utmoft ^-^ — t ' 

of his Power, to perform the Charge they had laid upon ^ •'^''^""^ 
him ; and befought the Honourable the Lords, and the other Yg;?^''^^ 
worthy Gentlemen and Officers, with their Counfels to di- 
re6l, and the whole Court, with their Prefence to affift him, 
in the Execution of his Office. And, in particular, he de- 
fired them, to requeft his Brother, Mr. John Farrar (in 
Confidence of whofe Affiftance and Direction, he well knew, 
they had chofen him) to continue the fame Care and Pains, 
he had formerly done. Whereupon Mr. John Farrar pro- 
mifed, not to flack any thing of his former Zeal and Dili- 
gence, in the Bufinefs ; and the Company, in thankful Ac- 
knowledgement and Approbation of his great and faithful 
Services, in the Place of Deputy-Treafurer, for the three 
lafl: Years, beftowed upon him twenty Shares of Land, old 
Adventure. And they further ordered, that together with 
the Gift, it fliould be entered on their Records, that the 
Court conceived his Services and Merits to be fo great, that 
had not their Liberality been bounded, within the Compafs 
of twenty great Shares, they would, for him, have exceed- 
ed it with a much larger Proportion. And the fame Quan- 
tity had alfo been beftowed upon Sir Edwin Sandys^ in his 
Abfence, the former Year, with a like honourable Tefti- 
mony and Acknowledgment of his Services and Deferts. 

The Company alfo requefted the Lords Cavendi/lo^ Pa- 
get^ and Houghton^ to prefent their moft humble Thanks to 
his Majefty, for his Remembrance and good Wiflies to 
their Affairs ; and to inform him, with what Reverence 
and Relpe£f, his Meflage was received ; but that the Elec- 
tion had fallen upon the Earl of Southampton^ with an al- 
moft unanimous Confent, the Company having found, that 
the Plantation had profpered, each of the three laft Years, 
more than in ten before ; and that more had been done 
with ten thoufand Pounds, than formerly with fourfcore 
thoufand. And they further conceived, that as their Staple 
Commodities were then in eftablifhing and perfecting, and 
as the Government of the Country was to be fettled and 
confirmed, equal Sufficiency, in their Governors and Di- 
rectors, would not fo much advance the Plantation, as the 
Variablenefs of InftrucSlions and Methods, in the Change of 
Officers, proceeding from different Conceptions and Ways 
of-thinking, would prejudice and retard the Bufinefs. But 
his Majefty was not well pleafed to find, that out of fo large 
a Number, as were recommended by him, not one had 
been chofen ; and he faid, he conceived Merchants to be 
fitteft, for the Management of fuch Undertakings, becaufe 
0.4 of 



232 The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

1622. of their Experience and Skill in Staple Commodities. In 

■ r~ — ' Confirmation of which, he inftanced Sir Thomas Smith's 

Sh- Francis Qovemment, in whofe time many Staple Commodities had 
^Fjat, o- ^^^j^ ^gj. ijp^ which were now laid down, and only Tobacco 
raifed or attempted. To which Lord Cavendifl) replied, 
that in this, as well as many other Particulars, relating to 
the Company and their Proceedings, his Majefty had been 
very grofly mifinformed ; that the following Tobacco only, 
and negleding all other Staple Commodities, had been the 
Fruits of Sir Thomas S?nith's and Alderman Johfifon's Go- 
vernment ; but that fince, they had laboured, with all In- 
dullry. Care, and Diligence, to ered Iron-Works, plant 
Vineyards, make Silk, and raife other fuch valuable Com- 
modities, of fome whereof, they hoped, (hortly to give his 
Majefty a Proof; and he faid, that fince Sir Thomas Smith's 
Time, the Colony had grown to almoft as many thoufands 
of People, as he left hundreds, befides a very great Increafe 
of their Cattle. And his Lordfhip further aflured his Ma- 
jefty, that fome of the Perfons recommended, being in 
Court, did then, and moft of them have otherwife fince, 
publickly acknowledged and declared, that they would ne- 
ver have accepted thofe Places ; profefling themfelves, thro' 
Want of Experience, and a Adultitude of other Bufinefs, fo 
very unfit and unequal to the Charge, that they fliould cer- 
tainly have brought back the Bufinefs more, in one Year, 
than it had gone forward and profpered, in the laft three. 

Soon after this, the News of the Maflacre in Virginia 
arrived. This Event, fo unexpe6led, and fo contrary to 
all their Hopes and Profpe6ls, was received, by the Com- 
pany, with inexpreflible Grief; which was riot a little ag- 
gravated, that fo many had fallen, by the Hands of Men fo 
contemptible, and after fuch plain Warnings, as Opechan- 
canough's Attempt to poifon the whole Colony, and efpe- 
cially the Death of Nemattanow had given. And they were 
therefore very loud in their Complaints againft the Condu6l 
of the Governor and Colony ; never confidering, how eafy 
and natural it would be, to retort upon them (as the Go- 
vernor and Council ailually did) their own conftant and 
prefTing Inftru6tions, to win the Indians over by Courtefy 
and Kindnefs, to give them familiar P^ntertainment in their 
Houfes, and if it were poiTible, to draw them to live toge- 
ther and cohabit with the Engliflo. However, all good and 
fenfible Men thought not the worfe of the Enterprife, for 
thefe Difafters ; but many publick-fpirited Adventurers un- 
dertook feveral new Plantations, and divers Ships were dif- 
patched away, with fuch Supplies and Affiftance, as were 
thought fufficient. The King alfo was fo far fenfible of the 

Lofs 




Book IV. The History of VIRGINIA. 

Lofs of fo many of his Subie6ts, and of the miferable State 
of the Colony, that he made them a Gift of Arms out of the" 
Tower; fuch indeed, as were unferviceable in Europe a-^JLf''^"^'' 
gainft equal Enemies, yet might, with a little Trimming ygj^^^^J^ 
and Repair, be made very ufeful againft the Indians. And 
for immediate Difpatch, his Majelty lent twenty Barrels of 
Powder, upon the Security of the Company's Seal, after- 
wards to repay it. He likewife promifed, to levy four hun- 
dred young Men, out of the feveral Shires, to be fent to 
Firginia^ in Supply of thofe, that had perifhed in the Maf- 
facre •, but he never could be brought, tho' often follicited 
by the Company, to make that Promife good. The Lord 
St. yohn of Bafing., alfo gave fixty Coats of Mail, for the De- 
fence of the Colony ; and the City of London^ with many 
private Perfons, were much concerned at, and very forward 
to contribute towards the Repair of this Lofs. 
,/ Captain Smith., with Mr. Stockham and Mr. IVhita- 
' ker,, two Clergymen of Note in the Colony, had ever been 
of Opinion, that the Ways of Gentlenefs and Kindnefs would 
never be fufficient to bring the Indians over; and had there- 
fore recommended, that Mars and Minerva fhould go Hand 
in Hand, as well in their Converfion, as in all other Tranf- 
a6fions and Intercourfe with them. But they were too fan- 
guinary in their Notions of the Matter. For Mr. Stockam 
plainly declares, that, until the Throats of their Priefls and 
Elders were cut, there could be no Hopes of their Conver- 
fion ; and Captain Smith frequently mentions, and infinuates 
to Imitation, the deteftable Example of the Spaniards., in 
their Conqueft of the IVeJi-Indies. They were indeed fome- 
thing excufable, if, their Patience being worn out by a long 
Experience of the Perfidioufnefs, Bafenefs, and almoft in- 
vincible Brutality of that People, they at laft gave too much 
Way to the Di6lates of Anger and Violence. Captain Smith., 
in particular, thought, that there had long fince been given 
juft Occafion, to profecute them with War, and entirely to 
conquer and fubdue them ; and he now looked upon the 
Maflacre, as rather an Advantage than Detriment, as it 
would open the Eyes of the Englijh, and fet them upon their 
Guard, and would give them juft: Grounds for a War, even 
to their utter Extirpation, and thereby contribute to the fu- 
ture Security and fpeedy Advancement of the Colony. And 
this indeed feems to have been the general Opinion of the 
Times,.; For the Company themfelves, in a Letter this 
Year to the Governor and Council, declare, that they faw 
fuch a Difpofition in Mens Minds, as made them think, 
that this Addition of Price had endeared the Purchafe, and 
that the Blood of thefe People would be the Seed of the 
83 Planta- 




"The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

Plantation. And, for their own Parts, they thought it a 
Sin againft their dead Brethren, who had loft their Lives in 
it, to abandon or give over the Enterprife, till they had ful- 
ly fettled and got Poffeflion of the Country. 

Captain Smith likewife, upon this Occafion, offered 
his Service to the Company, He propofed, that they fhould 
tranfport him, with an hundred Soldiers and thirty Sailors, 
and all proper Provifions and Ammunition ; and fhould give 
him a Bark of an hundred Tons, with Means and Materials, 
to build fix or feven Shallops, to tranfport his Men from 
Place to Place, as Occafion required ; and then he under- 
took, to form a flying Camp, and to range about and tor- 
ment the Indians^ till he either obliged them to quit the 
Country, or brought them into fuch Fear and Subjection, 
that every Man fhould follow his Bufinefs in Peace and Se- 
curity. And as to the Support and Subfiftence of this Par- 
ty, he thought, if his Majefty were truly informed of the 
Neceffity and Benefit of the thing, he would give the Cuf- 
toms of Virginia for a time. For, without fome fuch Me- 
thod, it was much to be doubted, whether there would 
come, in a ie-w Years, either Cuftom, or any thing elfe, 
from thence to England. And he doubted not, but that 
the Planters would, according to their feveral Abilities, con- 
tribute towards fo ufeful and necefiary a Defign. But he in- 
fifted, that the Governors (hould not be permitted, by Vir- 
tue of their Authority, to take his Men away, or any thing 
elfe, to employ them, as they thought proper. And he far- 
ther promifed, to make the beft Ufe of his Experience, as 
well within the Limits of Virginia^ as New- England^ to 
bring them both into one Map, with all the Countries, that 
lay between them. As to the Reward of his own Pains 
and Danger, he afked not any thing, but what he could 
raife, from the proper Labour of the Savages themfelves. 

This Propofal was well approved by moft, that heard 
it ; but fuch were their Divifions and Confufion at that 
time, that he could obtain no other Anfwer, but that the 
Expence would be too great, and their Stock was exhaufted ; 
and they thought, the Planters fhould do fomething of that 
Nature themfelves, if they could find fufficient Means to 
efFeft it. However, he was given to underftand, as he tells 
us, that if he would undertake the thing upon his own pri- 
vate Account, he might have the Company's Leave ; pro- 
vided, they might have half the Pillage. But he rejedled 
this Intimation with Scorn ; thinking, that all the Pillage 
of thofe poor and naked Barbarians, except a little Corn, to 
be had at fome times of the Year, would not, in twenty 
Years, amount to twenty Pounds. But I fufpeil, that all 

this 




Wyat, Go- 
vernor. 



Book IV. "The History of VIRGINIA. 

this only pafled in Converfation, or was at moft privately 
talked at their Courts, without ever being brought regular- 
ly before the Company, For I have the Company's Re-^"" ^'''"'"^ 
cords of that time, now in my Poffeffion, in which there 
is not the leaft Mention of any fuch Propofition, altho' 
things of a trivial and much more minute Nature are moft 
exactly entered. Neither does it feem confiftent with the 
Chara6ler of the Company and its Leaders, who gave a 
fair Courfe and Debate to all Proportions offered, and were 
rather profufe in their Expences for the good of the Colony, 
than lying upon the Catch for little Advantages and mean 
Gains. However, the Captain's open Nature, and Simpli- 
city of Honefty, might be blinded by crafty and defigning 
Men, and eafily made believe, that that came from the 
Company, which had really never come under their Cog- 
nifance, or been laid before them. 

In the mean time, the Colony in Virginia^ being much 
frightened at this lamentable and unexpeited Difafter, re- 
folved to abandon all the petty Plantations, and to draw the 
People together, to make good five or fix of the beft and 
moft defenfible Places. Nay, fo great was the Terror and 
Alarm, that many Perfons were urgent, to abandon James 
River, and to retire to the Eaftern Shore^ where they might 
eafily fortify and defend themfelves againft the Indians. And 
for quieting thofe, who were many, the Governor was 
obliged to hold fome Councils, under Colour of confidering 
their Propofal, but yet with a full Refolution, never to take 
fo unadvifed and deftrudlive a Step. However, many Plan- 
tations were quitted by Authority ; and all the People were 
drawn together to Shirley Hundred^ Flower-de-Hundred^ 
James-Town^ with Pafpahey and the Plantations right op- 
pofite, Kicquotan^ and Southampton Hundred ; to which 
were added, by the Obftinacy and Refolution of their Ow- 
ners, Mr. Samuel 'Jordan'''^ Plantation, now called Jordan's 
Pointy and Newport' s-News. For Want of Boats and other 
Conveniencies, it was impoflible, on fuch a fudden, to fe- 
cure and bring off^ all their Cattle and other Goods, which 
were, for the moft part, after their Departure, burnt, ru- 
ined, and deftroyed by the Indians. But Mr. Gookin^ at 
Newport' s-Nezvs., refufed to obey the Order of Government, 
and draw off^ his People ; and having got together thirty 
five of all Sorts, he fecured his Plantation, and defended 
himfelf and Company againft all their Aflaults and Incur- 
fions. The like was alfo done by Mr. Samuel Jordan ; and 
by Mrs. ProHor^ a proper, civil, and modeft Gentlewo- 
man, who, with an heroic Spirit, defended her Eftate for 
a Month, till fhe, with all with her, were obliged, by the 

Englijh 



236 The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

1622. Englijh Officers, to go with them, and to leave their Sub- 

* v-^-^ftance to the Havock and Spoil of the Enemy. Mr. Ed- 

Sir Francis ^y^j.^ ///// ^Ifo, at Elifabeth-City ^ altho' much Mifchief 
v^nor^"^^^ done to his Cattle, yet did himfelf alone defend his 
Houfe, whilft all his Men were fick and unable to give him 
any Affiftance. 

Captain Thomas A/Vm;^^, Deputy and Superintendant 
of the Company's Lands, forefeeing the Difficulties and 
Famine, that muft neceflarily enfue, caufed as much Corn 
as poffible, to be planted at Elifabeth-City^ where he com- 
manded ; whilft others deftroyed even that, which had 
been before planted, fearing, it might be of Service to the 
Indians^ and trufted wholly to Relief by Trade or from 
England^ which had ever been one of the principal Caufes 
of their Miferies. For, Supplies from England were very 
precarious, and liable to many Accidents and Difappoint- 
ments, and had been, formerlv at leaft, very ftingily af- 
forded : And the Trade for Corn, with the Natives, was 
ufually carried on by Men of Subftance, to their own Gain 
and Advantage, and as it was complained, efpecially by 
the Company's Enemies, to the great Oppreffion of the 
poor and fuffering Inhabitants. But Captain Newce called 
all his next adjoining Neighbours to his Houfe, and omitted 
nothing, to relieve their Wants and Neceffities. He like- 
wife, with all Speed, entrenched himfelf; mounted three 
Pieces of Ordinance ; funk a Well of frefli Water ; and 
foon put himfelf into a Pofture of Defence, above the Fear 
of any Danger or AiTault from the Enemy. In all thefe 
Works, he ailed the Part of a Sawyer, a Carpenter, or a 
Labourer ; till he brought upon himfelf many Sickneffes, 
and at laft a Dropfy, to the very great Grief of his Fami- 
ly, and of all under his Government. The latter End of 
June, Sir George Yeardley^ in his Way to Accomack^ ftaid 
three or four Days with Captain Newce^ being accompa- 
nied by the Council, and many other gay Gentlemen. The 
Captain, being opprefled with fo large a Company, com- 
plained, to one of the chief among them, of the Want of 
Provifions. Whereupon he gave the Word to the reft, 
and they entered the Fields of Corn near the Fort, which 
were the beft guarded and preferved from the Ravage of 
the Enemy, and altho' the Ears were fcarce half grown, 
they devoured and made a miferable Wafte among it. But 
it muft be obferved, that this Particular relies wholly on 
the Authority of Captain Smithy who was himfelf abfent, 
and whofe Relations of thefe times were chiefly taken from 
Perfons of the opponent Fadlion. They are therefore always 
to be fomewhat fufpeded ; and efpecially in this Story, as it 

claihes 



Sir Franc 
Wyat, Gc 
vernor. 



Book IV. "The History of VIRGINIA. 237 

claflies fo much with Sh" George Teardley's general Charac- 1622. 
ter, and the univerfal Love and Efteem, which he obtained' ' 

from the Colony. However Captain Newce was certainly a' 
Man of great Goodnefs and Merit. As long as he had any 
thing, his Company fliared it equally with him ; and when 
all was fpent, being obliged to live on Crabs and Oyfters, 
they fell into a very weak and feeble Condition. Yet 
Captain Newce dillributed among them, as he faw Occa- 
fion, a little Milk and Rice, which he ftill had left ; and 
behaved himfelf, in all things, with fuch a fatherly Ten- 
dernefs and Care, that he obtained the Reputation, of be- 
ing the Commander, throughout the whole Country, that 
took the moft continual Pains for the Publick, and did the 
leaft Good for himfelf, of all others. On the 9th of Sep- 
temher^ his Men were attacked at their Labours, by the 
Indians^ which was the firft Aflault, they had made fince 
the Maflacre, and four were flain. The Captain, altho' 
extremely fick, fallied forth to engage them ; but they, 
hiding themfelves in the Corn and other lurking Places, 
efcaped his Vengeance. Soon after, this worthy Gentle- 
man died •, and the Company, in Confideration ol his, as 
well as her own Merit, granted his Widow a Moiety of 
the Labours of the Tenants, due to his Place, till another 
Perfon fliould be appointed to fucceed him. And after- 
wards, in a Letter to the Governor and Council, they or- 
dered her the whole Profits of their Labour for the follow- 
ing Year, with no fmall Commendation of her Virtue and 
Defert. 

Captain Ralegh Chroflmw was, all this while, at Pa- 
towmack^ with one Man. He had not been long there, 
before Opechancamugh fent two Bafkets of Beads to Japa- 
■zaus^ the King, to kill them ; afluring him of the Slaugh- 
ter he had made, and that before the End of two Moons, 
there fliould not be an Englijlwian left in all their Coun- 
tries. Japaxaus difclofed this to Captain Chrofiaiu^ who 
exprelTed great Scorn and Contempt for Opecha?icanough^ 
whofe Treachery and Cowardife he had feen fufficiently 
tried by Captain S?nith^ when he took him Prifoner, at the 
Head of feven hundred Men. After two Days Delibera- 
tion, 'Japaxaus made Anfwer, that the Englijh were his 
Friends, and Opitchapan^ the Indian Emperor, his Brother ; 
and that therefore, there fliould be no Blood flied between 
them, by his Means. He alfo returned the Prefent of 
Beads, advifing the Pamunkeys to come no more into his 
Country, left the Englijh^ though againft his Will, fliould 
do them a Mifchief. But the EngUJJo Colony concluded 
Cbrofiaw undoubtedly dead, till Captain Hamer came to Pa- 

towmack^ 



238 'The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

1622. toivmack^ in June^ to trade for Corn ; where he found him 

' Y 'fafe, and was kindly entertained by both him and the King. 

S\r Francis ^y the King's Direftion and Affiftance, he aflaulted and 
vernor took a Town, where was fome Corn ; and at his Depar- 
ture, he left Captain Chrofiaw four Men more. Chrojhaw 
receiving continual Alarms, retired with thefe to a Place of 
Advantage, where, with the Affiftance of the Patowmacks^ 
he foon fortified himfelf, fufficiently againft all fuch wild 
Aftailants. Soon after, he was vifited by Captain Newce ; 
from whom underftanding the milerable State of the Colo- 
ny, he offered, if they would fend him a bold Shallop, with 
Provifion to trade, and proper Arms and Men, to provide 
them Corn fufficient, after the getting in their Corn ; but 
as yet, it being but the latter End of fune^ he told him, 
there was little or none in all the Country. 

Nezuce communicating this to the Governor and others, 
Captain Ifaac Maddifon was fent, with thirty odd Men, 
in a Ship and fmall Bark. His Commiffion from the Go- 
vernor, exprefly charges and requires him, to affift and de- 
fend their Friends and Confederates, the Patowmacks^ a- 
gainft the common Enemy ; to prote6t them and their Corn, 
to his utmoft Power ; and in his Carriage, as well towards 
them as the Enemy, to difcharge, faithfully and circum- 
fpe6lly, the great Truft, repofed in him, as he would an- 
fwer the fame, at his Peril. But juft at that time. Captain 
Chrofhaiv had received a Letter from MrS. Boyce^ a Woman 
of Figure, who was Prifoner, with nineteen more, at Pa- 
munkey. Having fome Profpe6l of recovering their Liber- 
ty, he went to ya?7ies-Toivn^ with two Chiefs of the Pa- 
towmacks^ to follicit the Governor, and to enter into Mea- 
fures for their Releafe. But before this, Opechancamugh 
had returned an infolent Anfwer to the Governor's Meffage, 
concerning reftoring the EngUJJ) Captives, and had treated 
the King's Pidlure with great Diflionour and Contumely. 
The EngliJ}) alfo diffembled their Intents, and pretending 
Peace and Friendfhip, invited the Indians back, to plant 
their Corn at their ufual Habitations ; which being now 
grown up, fo as to make the Lofs irreparable by a new 
Crop, the Governor was preparing, with five hundred Men, 
to make a (harp and vigorous War upon them, efpecially 
upon Opechancanough and his bloody Adherents ; and hoped, 
by deftroying their Corn, and other Means, to drive them 
quite out of the Country. As to the lawful Emperor, O- 
pitchapan., who by this time indeed was only an Emperor 
in Name, he feems very greatly to have difapproved of the 
Maffacre. For I find him, early the next Year, fending 
Chanco^ Pacers Chrijiian Convert, who difcovered the In- 
dian 



Book IV. rhe History of VIRGINIA. 239 

dian Confpiracy, to affure Sir Francis Wyat^ that if he 1622. 
would fend ten or twelve Men, he would give up the reft ^-^<— ^ 
of X.he Englifi Prifoners, that were in his Poffeffion ; ^"^^^ ,^1'^Q^i 
would alfo deliver his Brother Opechancamugh^ the Author ^grnor. 
of the MalTacre, into the Hands of the Englijh^ either 
alive or dead. Captain Tucker was accordingly fent upon 
this Service, but without the defired Succefs. However 
Opitchapan fent back Mrs. Boyce^ naked and unapparaled, 
in Manner and Fafliion, like one of their Indian Queens. 

For thefe Reafons, the Governor was unwilling, at that 
Juncture, to hear of any Treaty with Opcchancamiigh ; and 
Captain ChroJhaw\ Journey to 'James-Town was in vain ; 
but his Abfence from Patoivmack had a very unhappy Con- 
fequence, on another Account. For, Maddifon was a Man 
of a jealous and timorous Nature ; and not liking to live 
among the Savages^ as Chrojhaw did, he built himfelf a 
ftrong Houfe, within Chroflmw's Fort, and there foon rofe 
great Coldnefs and Referve between him and the Patow- 
macks. There was alfo then at Patowmack an exile King, 
who was inwardly exafperated at Japazaus^ becaufe he 
would not aflift him in the Recovery of his Kingdom. 
This fubtle and malicious Barbarian did therefore, in Re- 
venge, forge a Plot, as if "Japa-zaus and the Patoiumacks 
were in Treaty with Opechancanough ^ how to cut off and 
deftroy the EngliJJ) there. And to give his Lye the greater 
Credit and Air of Probability, he wrerted and applied fe- 
veral Circumftances, that had lately happened, to this De- 
fign. Maddifon^ naturally fearful and fufpicious, was a- 
larmed at this, and made his Men ftand punctually to their 
Arms. Some time after, under Pretence of Bufmefs, he 
fent for the King to his ftrong Houfe ; where having locked 
him, his Son, and four others up, and fet a Guard of five 
Engli/hmen upon the Houfe, he fell on the Town, with 
the reft of his Company, and flew thirty or forty, Men, 
Women, and Children. The poor King, being furprifed 
at fuch an unexpeiled Aflault, called out, and begged him 
to ceafe from fo undeferved a Cruelty. But he gave not 
over the Execution, till he had flain, or put to Flight, all 
in the Town. Then he returned, and taxed the King of 
Treachery, who denied it bitterly, and told him, it was 
fome Contrivance of thofe, who wiftied his Deftru6lion, 
for being a Friend to the Englijh. After that, Maddifon led 
him, his Son, and two others to his Ship, promifing to fet 
them at Liberty, as foon as his Men were all fafely ftiip- 
ped ; and the King, very readily and efteilually, ordered 
his Subjects, not to fhoot at,- or annoy the EngUf^ whilft 
they were going on board. But notwithftanding this. 

Mad- 



240 rhe History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

1622. Maddifon^ contrary to all good Faith, carried them Pri- 
foners to fames-'Tozun 5 where they lay, till the OSiober 
following, when they were carried home by Captain Ha- 
mer^ who took a Quantity of Corn for their Ranfom. 
However, this perfidious Dealing did not pafs off, entirely 
without Notice or Animadverfion. For, Mr. ^ohn Pountis^ 
as a Cafe properly belonging to his Office of Vice-Admiral, 
afterwards lodged a Complaint againft fome Perfons, who 
going out to trade with the hidians^ under Pretence of 
Friendfliip, and in the Governor's Name, had feifed their 
Perfons, and fometimes taken their Lives, and fometimes 
their Goods, for nothing, or at their own Rates, contrary 
to all Laws human and divine, and to the Difhonour of 
God's Name, of the King, and the whole EngliJ]} Nation. 
Altho' this was conceived in general Terms, fo as to reach 
all other Perfons, guilty of the fame Crime, yet we are 
told, in the A61 of Court itfelf, that it was chiefly levelled 
againft Maddifon and Hamer. And fome Examinations a- 
gainft them were accordingly taken ; but by Reafon of Ha- 
mer'i Sicknefs, and Maddifon % Abfence, who foon after 
returned to England^ the Suit dropped, and never proceed- 
ed to full Trial. 

This rafli and unadvifed A6tion of Maddifon (not to 
call it by any worfe Name) was of very ill Confequence to 
the Colony. For they were thereby cut off from all Hopes 
and Pretenfions, to trade for Corn on that River ; which 
was then their only Refuge and Dependance, as the hi- 
dlans^ in all the other Parts of the Country, were in an 
open and declared War with them, and as they themfelves 
had not attempted any thing of a Crop, left the Corn, 
when grown up, fliould give Means and Opportunity for 
Afiaults and Ambufcades. Captain ChroJhavj\ Defign was 
alfo quite defeated ; who intended to make fapa-zaus a pro- 
per Inftrument and Ally againft Opechancanough. For he 
had at his Command above two hundred fighting Men, in 
the Town of Patoivmack ; and was, befides, a Perfon of 
great Intereft and Authority, throughout the whole River, 
being a Kind of petty Emperor there, and unwilling to 
own Subjection to the other Emperors, whom he always 
affected to treat, rather as Brethren than Superiors. It was 
therefore probably thought, that Chrojhaiu would have 
fucceeded in his Scheme, and might eafily have made him 
rife againft a Power, which he was before jealous of, and 
always looked upon, as ufurped and oppreffive. 

However Captain Henry Spihnan^ who had been pre- 
ferved by the Means of Pocahontas^ and had lived feveral 
Years at Patowmack, relying on his Intereft and Acquain- 
tance 



Book. IV. T>6^ History e/ VIRGINIA. 241 

tance with them, ventured to go thither, in a Bark, with ^^~-- 
twenty fix Men, to trade for Corn. But himfelf, with ^^^^ ~^ ^ 
twenty one more, were furprifed and flain by the P^/^^^^-^^.^^'^^'q" 
cons^ the greateft People in thofe Parts. They immediate- vernor. 
ly boarded the VefTel in their Canoes, and entered fo faft, 
that the five Men, left to guard her, were in the utmoft 
Amazement, till a Sailor gave fire to a Piece of Ordinance 
at Random ; the bare Report whereof fo frightened the 
poor Savages, that they leaped overboard, and forgetting 
their Canoes, fwarm afliore. Soon after, they heard a great 
Noife among them, and faw a Man's Head thrown down 
the Bank ; whereupon they weighed Anchor, and returned. 
And thus died this unfortunate Gentleman, who was of a 
good Family in England. He had, three Years before, 
been tried and found guilty, of depreciating and under- 
mining the Governor's Authority, by telling Opechancanough^ 
that a Great Man (meaning the Earl of Warwick) would 
foon come, and take his Place. For which Crime, they 
thought it a Mercy to fpare his Life ; but they however 
degraded him from his Captainfhip, and condemned him, 
to be a Servant to the Colony for feven Years, in Quality 
of Interpreter; for which Office he was peculiarly fitted, 
by having long lived, and been very converfant, among the 
Indians. 

Edzuard TFaters., one of the three, that ftaid in the Iflands 
of Bermudas.^ and found the great Block of Ambergreafe, 
dwelling in Virginia^ at the time of the Mafi^acre, was 
himfelf, together with his Wife, taken and kept Prifoners 
by the Nandfamonds. But this Fall, fome EngUjh., near 
Newporfs-N^ews., were furprifed in fo great a Storm, that 
altho' the Men faved their Lives, the Boat was loft ; which 
was caft, by the Winds and Waves, upon the Shore of 
Nandfamond. The Indians., finding it, were fo bufied, 
with Songs, and Dances, and Invocations, according to 
their Manner of Triumph, that Waters and his Wife found 
Means, to get fecretly into one of their Canoes, and crofted 
the River, nine or ten Miles over, to Kicquotan ; where 
they were received with no lefs Joy and Wonder by the 
EngUjJj., than their Efcape gave Anger and Vexation to the 
Indians. 

Shortly after. Sir George Teardley and Captain Powel.^ 
each with a Company of Gentlemen Volunteers, went to 
feek the Enemy. But all being fled, except three, which 
Captain Powel met by Chance and flew, they burnt their 
Houfes, deftroyed every thing, they could find, and fo re- 
turned. Three hundred Soldiers, the beft, they could 
chufe, were, not long after, raifed and embarked in con- 
^ R venient 



JVyat, Go- 
vernor. 



242 "the History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

1622. venient VefTels, under the Condu6l of Sir George Teardley^ 

' r^^-^with all things neceflary for the Expedition. They went 

Sir Fr««m f^j.{^ to N andfamond \ where the Indians fet fire to their 
'"'own Houfes, fpoiled all they could, and then fled away, 
with what they could carry off. So that the Englijh had 
no Opportunity to make any Slaughter of them. But 
their Corn being newly gathered, they feized all, they 
could find ; burnt the Houfes, which the Inhabitants had 
in their Hurry left unburnt ; and fo departed. From thence 
they went to Pamunkey^ the chief Seat of Opechancanough. 
He did not appear himfelf ; but the Indians there feemed 
exceedingly aftoniflied, and promifed to bring them all the 
Englijh^ yet living, and to reftore their Arms, and what- 
ever elfe they had ; pretending, much to defire Peace, and 
to give them any Satisfaction in their Power. But this was 
only a Device, to procraftinate the Time, till they could 
convey away their Corn from all other Places, except 
where the EngUJJ) were quartered. At length, the Englijh^ 
perceiving their Defign, feifed on the Corn in their Power, 
burnt their Houfes, and purfued them into the Woods. 
But they fled before them, and eafily efcaped, not without 
Contempt and Infult. For fome lurked about in Ambufh, 
and difcharged fome Shot out of Englijh Pieces, which 
hurt and wounded feveral diforderly Stragglers. After this. 
Sir George returned, with a thoufand Bulhels of Corn, and 
each of the Soldiers had three Bufhels a piece. Captain 
Smith tells us, that they were however obliged to pay ten 
Shillings a Bufliel, before they received it, for Freight and 
other Charges of the Expedition. But the Governor and 
Council's Letters to the Company, an Authority not to be 
contefted, exprefly fay, that Sir George Teardley freely em- 
ployed his own Shipping, Shallops, Mariners, and Servants, 
without any Recompence or Freight at all. But this is not 
the only Inftance, in which that Gentleman's Adions are 
mifreprefented in Smith's Hiftory. For, he immediately pre- 
ceeding and coming after Captain Argall'% Government, 
and having a Commiflion to examine and puniih his Of- 
fences, became a peculiar Mark of Hatred and Calumny 
to that Faction. The fame Letters inform us, that three 
thoufand Bufliels of Corn more were taken from the Ene- 
my, by Force or Trade, and brought in, by different Par- 
ties of Men. By thefe, and other fuch fmall Inroads and 
Depredations, the Indians were reduced to great Want and 
Neceflity that Winter, and endured no fmall Mifery and 
Famine. So that many of the Englijh^ in Confidence of 
their Weaknefs, and Inability to hurt them, returned to 
their former Habitations. For, befides plundering and ruin- 
ing 



Book IV. "the History of VIRGINIA. 243 

ing their Corn, and other Ways of diftreffing and deflroy- 1622. 
ing them, the Governor and Council, in the aforefaid Let-''";'^ y-'"-^ 
ter, aflure the Company, that more Indians were flain that ^^''^^^J* 
Autumn and Winter, than had ever fallen by the Hands of vgrnor. 
the Englijl^ put them all together, from the firft Beginning 
and Settlement of the Colony. 

The Earl of Warwick^ not fatisfied with the Spoils of 
Virginia^ had alfo, by his Intereft and Intrigues, procured 
his Follower and Dependent, Captain Nathaniel Butler^ to 
be fent Governor of Bermudas for three Years ; where he 
exercifed the fame bare-faced Oppreffion and Extortion, 
that Captain Argall had done here. But from the petty 
Offence of plundering the Colony, he proceeded to a higher 
Crime and Mifdemeanor, and committed fome Pillage upon 
a Spanifl) Wreck. This incenfed Gondomar^ and the Lords 
of the Privy Council fent a fliarp Order to the Company, 
to make an immediate and ftri6l Enquiry into the Matter. 
The Time of his Government being therefore now expi- 
red, a Commiffion was given to Mr. Bernard^ who was 
going over to fucceed him, to enquire into~tRe~Affair of the 
Spani/h Wreck, as well as the Truth of many other Com- 
plaints and Allegations, fent over againft him to England. 
But, as had been done in Captain Argall's Cafe, a Bark 
was difpatched from Barnjlaple^ in which he efcaped, juft 
before the Arrival of the new Governor, and came to Vir- 
ginia. He left thofe Iflands in a moft miferable Plight, be- 
ing reduced to Beggary and Ruin, by his Rapines and Ex- 
tortions •, and coming hither in the Extremity of Winter, 
he found the Colony labouring under the Diftreffes and un- 
happy Confequences of the Maffacre. Sir Francis IVyat 
received and entertained him, with great Hofpitality and 
Good-manners ; but his Behaviour here was infamoufly 
lewd and riotous. Among other things, he demanded to 
be admitted of the Council, and grievoufly refented his 
being refufed, altho' he could fhew no Colour of Right or 
Title to it. After about three Month's Stay, and having 
gone up as high as Chickaho?niny^ where, like a common 
Robber or free Booter, he fell upon, and made Spoil of 
Lady Dale's Cattle, he fet Sail, and returned for Eng- 
land. 

But before this, in the Beginning of the Summer, 
there had been fet afoot a moft unhappy Affair for the Com- 
pany ; which gave it, as it were, a fettling Blow, and not 
without fome Face of Reafon, was the Occafion of greater 
Clamours and Animofities than ever. It hath been fre- 
quently related, how the King took all Opportunities of 
grinding the Company and infant Colony, by laying op- 
R 2 preffive 



244 "^^'^ History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

1622. preflive and illegal Impofitions on Tobacco. This he 

"■-""v ^did, partly out of his natural Abhorrence and Averfion to 

Sir Fr^«f''sthat Weed, but chiefly out of a Defire of Gain. For, 
venior °" with a Conjunction not unufual to be found in Men's Cha- 
racters, Profufion, and a voracious Appetite after Money, 
had met together in that Prince's Nature. In all thefe 
Exa6lions, Sir Lionel Cranfield had been his principal Inftru- 
ment. He had been at firft a Merchant of London^ and 
then an Officer in the Cuftoms, from whence he was in- 
troduced to Court, as a Projedor ; which, in the Lan- 
guage of thofe Times, fignified a Perfon, who could fur- 
nifh Expedients to the Minifters, to raife Money, in the 
Vacancy, and without the Affiftance, of Parliament. He 
was a very wife and dextrous Officer ; and in this Execrable 
Fun6lion, had been fo ufeful and fuccefsful, that, together 
with the Advantage of having married one of Buck'mgham'''=, 
Relations (an extraordinary Merit then, and an infallible 
Road to the higheft Preferments) he had rifen, before this 
time, to the Dignity of Earl of Middlefex^ and Lord High 
Treafurer of Englajid. He was himielf an ancient Ad- 
venturer in the Affair of Virginia ; and well knew, how 
uneafy they were, under the Preffure of the Monopolies, 
Garbling, and other illegal Patents. He therefore refolved 
to try, whether he could not make the Company confent 
to their own Oppreffion, and fqueeze out of them a greater 
Profit and Revenue to his Majefty, by making a particular 
Contract with themfelves. 

To this End, he firft broached the Matter privately to 
Sir Edwin Sandys ; offering a Grant, to the two Companies 
of Virginia and the Somer-IJlands^ for the fole Importation 
of Tobacco into the Realms of England and Ireland^ re- 
ferving to his Majefty a certain valuable Rent. This he 
did, with large Profeffions of his Love and Affedion to the 
Colony of Virginia^ whereof he was an ancient Counfellor ; 
and declared, that, befides the perfonal Duty of his Place, 
as Lord High Treafurer, his principal Motive herein was 
the Profit and Advancement of the Colonies. Sir Edwin 
profefled his Ignorance, in Affairs of that Nature ; but 
after fome Thought, he confulced with Sir Arthur Ingram^ 
another Member of the Virgmia Company, then prefent, 
but a faff Creature and Retainer to the Lord Treafurer. 
At length, confidering, that Tobacco was a deceiveable 
Weed, and the Ufe of it wholly founded on a Humour, 
which, might foon vanifli into Smoke, and come to no- 
thing, he told his Lordfhip, that to fettle any great Rent 
in Money, upon fuch an uncertain Commodity, might 
foon bankrupt the Companies, and utterly ruin the Planta- 
tions. 



Book IV. The History of VIRGINIA. 245 

tions. Wherefore, he conceived it much the fafer Way 1612.. 

for the Companies, to yield his Majefty a certain Propor-^ v ' 

tion, in Specie, out of the Tobacco itfelf; whereof, he^ Francis 
thought, they might be induced to give a fourth Part, pro- ^e^^^Jr. 
vided they might be difcharged from all other Burthens upon 
it. But his Lordftiip, falling into a Calculation, told him, 
that without the Grant of a Third, there could not be that 
Revenue raifed to his Majefly, as was expelled ; and for 
the old Cuftom, of fix Pence a Pound upon Roll, and four 
Pence upon Leaf Tobacco, it was already granted to his 
Majefty's Farmers, and could not be reverfed. 

After this. Sir Edwin Sandys^ by his Lordfliip's Com- 
mand, communicated this Propofal to the Lords Southamp- 
ton and Cavendijh^ and the two Deputies ; who having im- 
parted it to their Councils, brought it before the Companies. 
Such a Contrail, if it could be concluded on any reafonable 
Terms, was certainly of very great and vifible Advantage 
to the Companies and Colonies. For it would enable them, 
by having the whole Commodity in their own Hands, to 
exclude all foreign Tobacco, and to raife, or at leaft keep 
up, the Price of their own ; and would as well eafe them 
from the Extortions and Infults of other monopolifing Pa- 
tents, as fecure them from any farther Impofitions. For 
the Court, as the Colonies advanced in Strength, was ftill 
loading them with new Impofitions, and kept them always 
ftaggering, and fcarce able to go forward, under the Bur- 
then of Taxes and Impofts. And this was then done, folely 
by the King's Authority, without granting Parliaments their 
undoubted Right, of giving Money, and laying new Duties 
on the Subje6l. And what was a notorious, and (if the fa- 
cred Chara6ler of Kings and Minifters would allow the Ex- 
preflion) an impudent Breach of Faith, it was done againft 
the plaineft and moft exprefs Words and Tenor of former 
Grants ; which was, beyond Doubt, the prefent Cafe of 
the Virginia Company, as hath been before obferved and 
recited. 

However, the Companies, fitting down peaceably 
under thefe Oppreflions, readily embraced this Overture, 
and appointed each a Committee, to treat with the Lord 
Treafurer about it. But in the Progrefs of the Bufinefs, his 
Lordfhip was ftill fqueezing in new Hardfhips upon them j 
and particularly furprifed and fhocked them with a Propo- 
fal, that for each of the two Years, then next enfuing, the 
Companies fhould be obliged, to bring in fixty thoufand 
Weight of Spanijh Tobacco, or otherwife permit forty thou- 
fand Weight to be imported by fome other. This Propo- 
rtion feemed very grievous to the Committees, and crofted 
R 3 one 



246 The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

162a. one of their chief Purpofes. They therefore replied : That 

■ — ^^^ ' no fuch Obhgation was laid on the former Patentees for the 

^'^ ^'■''"5" fole Importation of Tobacco : That the Example of obliwino; 
vernor. Men to brmg m any foreign Commodity, whereof there 
was fufEcient of the Growth of the King's own Dominions, 
would feem very ftrange and accountable ; and fuch a thing, 
as they thought, had not been heard of, in any Part of the 
World : That to prohibit the planting Tobacco in England^ 
and yet to command the importing fo large a Quantity from 
a foreign Country (efpecially when it was confeffedly a great 
Drain of the Cafh of the Nation) would be very grievous 
to the Englifli Subie6l ; and was fo odious a thing, that they 
were afhamed to be concerned in it : That the Quantity of 
fixty thoufand Weight of SpaniJJ) Tobacco was very excef- 
five, and more than had been imported, in divers Years, 
when there was no Restraint at all : That fo large a Pro- 
portion (the whole Import of Tobacco into England^ upon 
an Average for the laft feven Years, being only an hundred 
forty two thoufand and eighty five Pounds Weight a Year) 
muft utterly abafe the Price of the Plantation Tobacco, as 
manifeflly appeared from that Year's Experience ; fo that the 
Colonies would part with a third of their Tobacco to the 
King, without any Retribution in the Price of the reft, as 
was at lirft propofed : And that, in excluding all Spanijh 
Tobacco, there could be no Room for Fraud or Error ; 
whereas, under the Colour of fo large an Importation, it 
would be impofTible to prevent the running and ftealing in 
a much greater Quantity, 

These Obje6tions were certainly very fliarp and home, 
and did not a little expofe the partial and moft unpatriot 
Meafures of the Court. But it was the Misfortune of that 
Time, that the Company dealt much in Reafon, and the 
Courtiers in Command, They were therefore peremptorily 
told, that this was a Point of fuch Importance, that it could 
not be difpenfed with, without diiTolving the whole Con- 
tra6l. For we mufl remember, that the Spanijh Match 
was ftill on Foot ; and therefore his Majefly would facri- 
fice fo large an Interefl: of his own Subjects to that Nation, 
to gratify and oblige his good Friend and Ally, the King of 
Spain ; who had been now, for many Years, bubbling and 
abufing him, to the open Scorn and Mockery of all Europe. 
Befides which, it is not to be fuppofed, that Gondomar^ who, 
about this time, bore a very great Sway in the Affairs of 
England^ would let flip fuch an Opportunity, of acquiring 
fo great a Profit to his Country, And indeed we are told 
by Mr. Oldys., that the Obflruilion of thefe Plantations, was 
a main Branch of the Aims and Endeavours of that Spanijh 

Buffoon ; 



Book IV. "The History 0/ VIRGINIA. 247 

Buffoon ; and that he oppofed all Voyages to the JVeft-Indies^ 1622. 
and particularly croffed thele Undertakings of Virginia and ^— ^v — j" 
Bermudas^ left from them there fliould afterwards arife ^"O" ^j^'^'^Qy' 
ther England in America^ of equal Dread and Annoyance ^o ^^^^^^^ 
Nezu Spain^ as that in Europe was to the Old. But the 
Company, having had fome Gleams of Hope, and dreading 
nothing ib much, as falling into their former Calamities and 
Oppreffions, did at laft, after much Difpute and Contefta- 
tion, confent to this Article; and the whole Contrail was 
concluded and agreed upon, chiefly on thefe Conditions. 
For I fliall in this, as I have done in other Cafes, take the 
Liberty, for Brevity's Sake, only to give the main Subftance 
of Matters, and to leave out fuch Points, as are immate- 
rial, and of little or no Confequence to be known. 

I. That the fole Importation of Tobacco, into the 
Realms of England and Ireland^ (hould be granted to the 
Virginia and Somer-Ijlands Companies, by Patent under the 
Great Seal of England ; which Grant fhould be drawn and 
conftrued, in the moft beneficial Manner for the Compa- 
nies Behoof, and the Advancement of the Colonies ; his Ma- 
jefty's Profit, hereafter recited, only referved. 

II. That his Majefty (liould, by Proclamation, pro- 
hibit all others from importing, as alfo from planting To- 
bacco in England and Ireland^ during the faid Contrail, un- 
der grievous Penalties ; and that what was already planted, 
fhould, by Virtue of the former Proclamation, be confif- 
cated. 

III. That his Majefty, and the Lord High Treafurer, 
fhould take all proper Methods, for preventing and confif- 
cating all Tobacco, unduly imported ; and fhould endea- 
vour, in all Points, to keep up effeilually to the true Intent 
and Meaning of this Contrail ; and particularly, that his 
Majefty fhould grant no Licences to Retailers of Tobacco, 
that the Market might ftill remain free and open, as it had 
hitherto done. 

IV. That in Confideration hereof, as alfo for that the 
Companies fhould be difcharged from all other Payments on 
Tobacco (excepting only the ancient Cuftom, in the Book 
of Rates, of fix Pence a Pound on Roll Tobacco, and four 
Pence upon Leaf) the faid Companies fliould pay to his Ma- 
jefty the clear Proceed of a full third Part of all Tobacco, 
Yearly imported and landed by them in the faid two Realms : 
Provided neverthelefs, that they fhould not be obliged to 
import more Tobacco of the Growth of the two Colonies, 
than they themfelves thought proper. 

R 4 V. That 



248 The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

1622. V, That the Lord High Treafurer (hould caufe the 

' Y ' Cuftom to be reduced to a Medium for feven Years laft 

^rl ^'"''""'paft, ending at Michaelmas^ 1621 ; wherein fhould be fpe- 

vernor, ° cified, how much was Roll Tobacco, and how much 

Leaf, becaufe of the different Cuftom ; and that the Whole 

fhould be reduced to a certain Sum of Money, whereof one 

Third to be paid by the King, for his Part, and two Thirds 

by the Companies, and the Cuftomers to make no farther 

Demand on any Tobacco, either imported or exported. 

VL That his Majefty fhould be difcharged from Pay- 
ment of Freight, and all other previous Charges ; but that 
immediately upon the Arrival of the faid Tobacco (at which 
time his Majefty's Intereft therein would commence) he 
fhould bear the third Part of all Charges, for landing, hou- 
fing, keeping, and tranfporting by Land, Sea, or frefh Wa- 
ter, into divers Parts ; as alfo his third Part of all Law-fuits, 
of the Salaries of all Officers, Agents, Factors, and Ser- 
vants ; and in general, of all Matters and Bufineffes what- 
foever, incident to the faid Tobacco, or Contrad. 

VII. That all the Tobacco imported, fhould be con- 
figned into fuch Hands, as fhould be appointed by the faid 
Companies ; who fhould, in their General Courts, have the 
fole Nomination of all Officers, Agents, Fa6lors, Minifters, 
and Servants, and the entire Management of the faid To- 
bacco : Yielding to his Majefty, a true and perfect Account 
thereof, and paying the clear Profits, which fhould become 
due to his Majefty for his Third, and come into their Hands : 
In which Account the third of all Charges fliould be allowed 
and defalcated, as aforefaid. 

VIII. That the Companies fhould be obliged to im- 
port, not above fixty thoufand, nor under forty thoufand 
Weight of Spanijh Tobacco, for each of the firft two Years 
of this Contra6l, and no longer : Upon Condition never- 
thelefs, that the King and State of Spain did not purpofely 
(upon Knowledge of their being obliged to import fo large a 
Q^iantity) raife the Cuftom, or impofe new Burthens and 
Charges upon their Tobacco ; and on Condition likewife, 
that the Price of Tobacco, at which it was then fold in Spaln^ 
be not purpofely enhanced, and that the Markets be, in all 
refpeits, as free and open, as formerly they have been : 
Provided alfo, if any of the faid Quantity of SpaniJI) To- 
bacco do, in any wife, mifcarry by Cafualties at Sea, that 
in that Cafe, the faid Companies fhould not be bound, to 
reftore and make good the Proportion fo loft, by any new 
Provifion and Importation. 

IX. That this Contrail fhould commence at Michael- 
mas^ 1622, and continue for the Space of feven Years, then 
next enfuing. This 



Book IV. The History of VIRGINIA. 249 

This Contract was certainly very well and cautiouHy i^-- 
worded, by Sir Edtuift Sandys, who drew it, and was indeed "; . -^ 
their conftant Draughtfman upon all fuch Occafions. But it ^^ J/'^qJ' 
was at laft efteemeda very hard and pinching Bargain upon^e.^ 
the Trade ; and as a certain noble Perfon exprefled it, was 
not to be looked upon as a pleafant Difli, well fauced and 
feafoned, but as a bitter Potion, which muft, of neceffity, be 
fwallowed down, for avoiding greater Evils. The Earl of 
Southampton therefore, earneftly defired the Company, duly 
to confider each Article, and not to fpare to give their beft 
Counfel and Advice, in fo weighty a Bufinefs, which fo 
nearly concerned themfelves and the Colonies, it being not 
only free, but demanded, as a Duty, from every Man, to 
fpeak his Mind boldly, as his own Reafon fhould fuggeft. 
But after a long Paufe, it appearing, that nothing more 
could be faid, than had formerly been delivered, his Lord- 
fhip, at the Company's Requeft, put it to the Queftion, 
and it was ratified and confirmed, by an almoft unanimous 
Confent, one Hand only being held up againft it. After 
which, it was, by the Lord Cavendi/h, their Governor, 
propofed to, and confirmed by the Somer-IJIands Company, 
with the like Unanimity. For the Adventurers in that Plan- 
tation, being about an hundred and twenty fix in Number, 
were all likewife Members of the Virginia Company. 

But before the Bargain was throughly concluded and ra- 
tified by the Lord High Treafurer, he prefled in upon them 
an Obligation, to import the forty thoufand Weight of Spa- 
nifl? Tobacco, in the beft Varinas, with a Promife ( which 
however he did not keep) not to trouble them any farther, 
if that was granted. The Company therefore yielded to it ; 
on Condition, that fuch a Qiiantity of beft Farinas could be 
procured. For there had been fome Years, when the 
whole Importation of that Kind of Tobacco into Spain did 
not amount to forty thoufand Weight. But if Farinas 
could not be had, they undertook (to give his Majefty and 
the Lord Treafurer Satisfailion ) to import the reft of their 
Quantity, in the beft and moft coftly Sorts of Spanijh To- 
bacco. It will doubtlefs be very furprifing to every thinking 
Reader, to find a King thus load and opprefs his Subjects, 
with the Importation of a foreign Commodity, of no Ufe 
or Neceffity, but of mere Luxury and Wantonnefs, and 
that too, in the deareft and moft grievous Manner ; efpe- 
cially when that Commodity might be fupplied by our own 
Colonies, and muft, in Spain, be paid for in hard Cafh, 
as the Cafe then was. But to account for fo unconfcionable 
a Proceeding, it muft ftill be obferved, that herein were an- 
fwered the two grand Ends, which at that time lay neareft 
34 to 




the History of VIRGINIA. Book IV, 

to that Prince's Heart ; fince by taking off their deareft To- 
baccoes, he did the more oblige the Spanijh King and Na- 
tion, and threw more Money into- their Pockets, out of his 
Subjects Purfes (which was, in Truth, fo much clear Lofs 
to the Engl'iJ}) Nation) and did alfo, at the fame time, ad- 
vance his own Profit and Revenue. For as the King was, 
by the Contraft, to have the clear Proceed of one Third 
of all Tobacco imported, it was more to his Gain and Ad- 
vantage, to have the beft Spa7iiJ]j Tobaccoes, which would 
then fell for eighteen or twenty Shillings a Pound, and fome- 
times more, than the Plantation Tobacco, which would 
fcarcely fetch two and fix Pence a Pound. 

The Affair of the Contra6l, being thus fettled and con- 
cluded, the next thing that fell under their Confideration, 
was appointing proper Officers, with their Salaries ; and the 
refolving on a fteady Courfe, for the Management of the 
Bufinefs. For this Purpofe, a Committee was appointed 
out of both the Companies, confifting of the Earl of Sou- 
thamptoji^ the Lords Cavendijh^ P^g^t-, ^nd Houghton^ Sir 
John Brooke^ Sir Edwin Sandys^ Sir John Davers^ Meffirs. 
Nicholas and John Farrars^ the Deputies of the two Com- 
panies, Mr. Samuel Wrote^ and others, Gentlemen and 
Merchants, to the Number of twenty one in all. After a 
whole Day's Confultation and Debate, they at laft agreed 
upon all Matters -, and the Lords Southampton and Cavendifh^ 
Treafurer and Governor of the Companies, reported the 
Refult of their Deliberations, to their refpeftive Courts. 
But firft, the Earl of Southampton^ with much Candor and 
Earneftnefs, entreated the Virginia Company, to deliver 
their Opinions freely, either for, or againft, what he fhould 
then propound; which (hefaid) himfelf, the Council, and 
Committee, had confulted upon, not with Intent to con- 
clude or determine any thing, nor to prejudice the Courts 
in their Judgment, but only the better to prepare the Bufi- 
nefs for their Confideration ; looking upon themfelves, as 
his Lordfhip expreffed it, only as Servants to the Court. 

After which Declaration, he proceeded and told them, 
that, as it was propofed, and in fome Meafure concluded, 
in the Preparative Court, they judged it neceflary, that there 
fhould be one principal Officer, by the Name of Direftor, 
on whofe Sufficiency, Care, and Integrity, the whole Suc- 
cefs of the Bufinefs did chiefly depend ; and that they con- 
ceived the faid Dire6lor would well deferve, for his Salary of 
that Year, five hundred Pounds. Next to him, was a De- 
puty : For without fuch an Affifl:ant, it would be impoffible 
for the Direftor, to undergo all the Burthen of Bufinefs, 
that would lie upon him. And to this Office they conceived 

requifite 



Book IV. The History of VIRGINIA. 251 

requifite an extraordinary Deal of Pains and Induftry, and 1622. 
no fmall Sufficiency. The Third Officer was a Treafurer, "■ y -^ 
to keep the Ca{h. But altho' the Offices of Deputy ^^^% ^^""q^I 
Treafurer were diftin£l in themfelves, and would require ^g/^oJ^ 
two Perfons, yet the better to hufband the Expences for 
that Year, they thought it beft (according to the Refolu- 
tion of the Preparative Court) to join them both in one Per- 
fon, for the prefent. And to this Officer, they allotted a 
Salary of four hundred Pounds, for the current Year. Next 
they conceived it necefTary, to have a Committee of, at 
leail, eight able and judicious Perfons, chofen out of the 
two Companies, for felling and difpofing of their Tobaccoes, 
and for affifting the Director, with their Counfels, and Help, 
in the feveral Parts of his Office ; which would be very many 
and exceedingly weighty and important. And to thefe, 
they appointed a Salary of fifty Pounds, a Man. And be- 
fides thefe principal Officers, he told them, there would be 
necefTary, two Calhiers, the one to be conftantly refident in 
the Treafury, the other to receive and gather in the Monies ; 
a Book-keeper ; two Clerks ; a SoUicitor ; a Hufband, to 
whom the Cuftody of the Warehoufes fhould be committed ; 
and a Beadle ; with a Houfe, for the Meetings of the Offi- 
cers ; and Warehoufes, for the Reception of the Tobacco. 
And the whole Amount of all thefe Salaries and Expences, 
was computed at two thoufand Pounds a Year, which muft 
be raifed upon the Tobacco. But as the Spanifh vaftly ex- 
ceeded the Plantation Tobacco in Price, it was agreed, that 
it fhould bear a double Proportion in the Rate of the Charges. 
His Lordfhip farther told them, that they conceived it 
neceflary, that there fliould be five hundred Pounds more 
fet apart, for fuch contingent Expences, as fhould occafi- 
onally arife ; which Money, if it were not, by the Confent 
and Order of the Courts, expended for the Advantage and 
Improvement of the Price of Tobacco, was to be again re- 
paid, to each Adventurer proportionably. And altho' this 
Sum, of twenty five hundred Pounds a Year, might to ma- 
ny feem very great and extraordinary ; yet, he laid, confi- 
dering, that five hundred Pounds was not to be expended, 
except for the evident Advantage of the Commodity ; and 
that, of the two thoufand Pounds remaining, his Majefty 
was to bear one third Part, and the Spanifl) Tobacco a Pro- 
portion double to the reft, he conceived, it would be found 
no great Burthen upon the Plantations (whofe Benefit was 
the grand Point in View) but fuch, as it was hoped, would 
be manifoldly repaid, by the Advancement of the Price. 
And as to the Officers Salaries, he declared it to be his 
Opinion, that they were far below the Pains, Care, and 
Charge, that they mufl, of neceffity, be at. The 




fVyat, Go 
vernor. 



The History of VIRGINIA. Book IV. 

The Earl of Southampton having thus finiflied his Report, 
there followed, for fome time, a general Silence among the 
S^r^ Francis Advcnturers. Whereupon his Lordfhip entreated them, 
freely to fpeak their Minds concerning all thefe things, and 
to declare, what and how they would have them done. 
And he repeated it again, that they efteemed themfelves on- 
ly as their Minifters or Servants, to prepare Bufmefs for the 
Court, in whom alone, was Power and Authority to de- 
termine and conclude Matters. He therefore earneftly en- 
treated them, without Refpedl to himfelf, or any others, 
from whom thofe Propofitions came, to declare their Opi- 
nions freely, efpecially concerning the Salaries, which, he 
perceived, was the grand Rock of Offence, 

Hereupon, Mr. Robert S7nith^ the Under-Chamber- 
Iain, faid ; that he thought, many able Gentlemen might 
be found, who, for Confcience Sake, would do the Bufinefs 
for far lefs Salaries. To which Sir Edward Sackvil replied ; 
that for his Part, he thought Men bound in Confcience, to 
give thofe whom they employed, fome reafonable Satif- 
fadtion for their Labour and Pains ; and that he had found 
by Experience, that fome Men, who had, for Confcience 
Sake, ferved the Company, had alfo, for Confcience Sake, 
undone it. But the Earl of Southampton^ to foften the Quick- 
nefs of Sir Ediuard SackviPs Reply, and to encourage a Free- 
dom of Debate, declared, that Mr. Robert Smith was a very 
worthy and honeft Man ; and he thanked him, for fpeaking 
his Mind freely, defiring all others to do the fame. After 
which, there enfued a fliort Debate ; and it was often ob- 
ferved, in the Progrefs of the Affair, that this was properly 
a Point of Merchandife, and not of fettling Colonies ; and 
that it was not juft or reafonable, to expe6l, that Men, fit 
to be trufted with, and capable to perform, fo important 
a Bufinefs, fhould expend their whole Time and Labour, 
for the Advancement of other Mens Eflates, without any 
Reward or Retribution at all. Mr. Barker alfo now faid ; 
that, having been, many Years, a Member of that Court, 
he had never heard of fuch great Salaries, as four and five 
hundred Pounds a Year ; but that he had however heard of 
five hundred, and a thoufand Pounds, deficient in the Ac- 
counts of fome Officers, who did their Bufinefs for nothing. 
Soon after, the Earl of Southa?npton was called upon, to 
put the feveral Propofitions to the Vote. But his Lordfhip 
faid, he would once more read them over to them ; which 
having done, and no Man making any Objedtion, after a 
good Paufe, he put the feveral things, concerning the Offi- 
cers and Salaries, above related, diftindly to the Queftion, 
and they were all approved and confirmed. 

They 



Book IV. "The History ^/VIRGINIA. 253 

They then proceeded to the Eleftion of their Officers. 1622. 

Sir Edwin Sandys had been nominated, in a former Court, ^—^^v^ ' 

to the Place of Dire6lor ; but he earneftly refufed it, as be-^ •'^'■^""^ 
ing unexperienced in Matter of Trade and Merchandife, ygj:'^''^^ 
in which that Officer ought to have an exa£l Knowledge ; 
and as he could not conftantly refide in Town, having a 
great Family in the Country. Befides which, he faid, he 
began, as he now grew old, to wax weak ; and therefore 
purpofed, rather to withdraw from all Bufinefs of the World, 
than to engage himfelf farther in it. But the Court, efpe- 
cially the Earl of Soiitba?npton and the other Lords, being 
not fatisfied with this Excufe, earneftly prefled him, not 
to refufe a Place, wherein he might do fuch fingular Ser- 
vice to the Colonies ; the whole Welfare of which did, al- 
moft entirely depend, upon the wife and upright Manage- 
ment of this Contra6f. No other Perfon therefore being 
fo much as named againft him, and himfelf rather not op- 
pofing, than confenting to accept the Place, he was, upon 
the Ballot, chofen Dire6tor, by having fixty five Balls for, 
and only five againft him. Mr. John Farrar had alfo, at 
the fame Court, been named to the joint Place of Deputy 
and Treafurer ; but he likewife refufed, alledging, that the 
Company had laid fuch a Burthen of Bufinefs upon him, 
for now almoft four Years together, that he had been obli- 
ged to negle6f his own private Affairs, which required his 
immediate and diligent Infpe<£l:ion. All which the Court 
acknowledged to be true ; yet declared, they held him fo fit 
a Man for that Place, that thev would not propofe any other 
to ftand in Election with him ; and fo he was chofen, by 
having fixty eight Balls for, and only two againfi: him. They 
then made Choice of their Committee, and inferior Officers ; 
and alfo added a Committee extraordinary, to be chofen out 
of the Council, without Salaries. They were not obliged 
to a conftant Attendance ; but were only to give their Ad- 
vice and Affiftance to the Direilor and other a6ting Com- 
mittee, in Cafes of a high and extraordinary Nature. And 
this Committee confifted of the Lords Paget and Maynard^ 
Sir Ediuard Sackvil^ Sir John Brooke^ Sir John Davers^ Sir 
Henry Mildmay^ Mr. Thomas Gihbs^ Mr. Samuel Wrote^ 
Mr. John Smithy and Mr. Robert Stnith. 



THE 



254 



. %i^- ^^^V ^^4:V -<^^^t^^^ 4^ c^ 



THE 

HISTORY 

OF 

VIRGINIA. 

BOOK V. 



HAVE, in the former Book, been the more 
full and exaft, in relating the Affair of the Of- 
ficers and Salaries, as it afterwards became the 
Subject of much Wrangling and Contention. 
There was one Mr. Samuel Wrote^ a Gentle- 
man of Fortune and Diftinclion in the Company, who had, 
ever till now, behaved himfelf with great Moderation, 
Judgment, and Induflry, and had therefore been ele6led of 
his Majefty's Council for Virginia. This Gentleman did 
fuddenly, in a fubfequent Court, held on the 4th of De- 
ce?nber this Year, break forth into much Violence, Inde- 
cency, and Opprobrioufnefs of Language ; and endeavour- 
ed, to call into queftion and cancel, in an inferior and ordi- 
nary Court, what had been fettled and determined, by the 
Authority of a Great and General Quarter Court. He 
faid, that this Affair, which was of efpecial Confequence 
to the Company, had been propofed and paffed, without 
that due Preparation, which the Laws and Orders of the 
Company required in the like Cafes ; that the lawful and 
regular Courfe had not been taken for preparing Matters, 
but they had been haftily fliufHed over ; that the Bufinefs 
of the Salaries, in particular, was not duly committed, but 

carried 




BookV. rZu^ History ^Z" VIRGINIA. 255 

carried fouly, and diforderly, and with much Art, furrepti- 1622. 

tiouflv, and to private Ends ; and that divers of the Company "- — y ' 

did, both then and fince, as well publickly as privately, in^^^^''^"f" 
his Hearing, complain much againft thofe Proceedings, but ygrnor. 
that they durft not fpeak their Minds freely, becaufe they 
were overawed. He called the- Laws of the Company Sir 
Edwin Sandys's Laws, becaufe that Gentleman had been 
very a6live and induftrious, in contriving and framing many 
of them ; and being reprimanded by Lord Cavendijh^ for 
an Infinuation fo unjult and opprobrious to the Company, 
and for (o unfuitable a Return to Sir Edwin Sandys for do- 
ing publick Service, his Lordfliip added, that he had done 
more Harm by that Day's Work, than Captain Martin^ 
Captain Argall^ or Captain Bailie ; the laft of which was 
Captain Somers'i Sollicitor, and had given their Courts 
much Trouble and Abufe. To this Mr. Wrote replied; 
that, in terming their Laws Sir Edivin Sandys's Laws, he 
called them no otherwife, than a great Lord did ; and fince 
his Lordfliip was fo difpleafed with him, he declared, he 
would never more trouble that Court, where his Lordlhip 
prefided, but would, at their next Meeting, deliver up his 
Share in the Somer-IJJands Company. 

He farther objecSted, that the Committee, in which 
thefe things pafl'ed, was very diforderly, fome Men talking 
privately by the Fire fide ; which he imputed to Mr. De- 
puty's Fault and Negligence, who ought to have moderated 
and kept Order in their Meetings. And he faid, that nei- 
ther the Council, nor the Committee, had any Authority 
to treat of the Matter of Salaries ; and that there were 
things reported to the Court, as the Judgment of the Com- 
mittee, concerning Points, referred to them by the Com- 
pany, which neverthelefs were not the Committee's A6ls 
and Doing. And laftly, he charged and challenged the 
Deputy, with wrong entering the Proceedings of a Court, 
the 7th of O^^^^r before. And to this Violence of Accu- 
fation, and Acerbity of Speech, he joined an equally rude 
and infolent Behaviour. All which was the more inexcu- 
fable in him, as he was himfelf one of the Committee, 
who prepared and brought this Matter before the Court, 
and had, when prefent, concurred with them in their Pro- 
ceedings, but through Abfence and Negligence in attend- 
ing that Committee, had now fpoke moft of thofe bitter 
and reproachful things, merely upon Hearfay and Conjec- 
ture. 

So many, and fuch various Accufations and Abufes, 
which affected divers of the greateft Lords and principal 
Members of the Company, did naturally produce a long 

and 



Wyat, Go 
vernor. 



256 r/:^^ History ^/ VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1622. and various Debate; in which Mr. Wrote'% Arguments and 

' r— — ' Allegations were fully anfwered and difproved, by feveral 

^^ 'P^'^^j^ of the Company ; particularly by the Deputy, Lord Ca- 
vendifto^ Sir Ediuin Sandys^ and Mr. John Farrar. Many 
alfo exprelTed much Grief and Concern, for this unhappy 
Altercation ; as well out of their private Regard for Mr. 
IVrote^ who had thus far been much beloved and efleemed, 
as out of Fear, left it fliould give a Handle to the Malici- 
ous, and be the Occafion of much Reproach and Scandal 
to the Company. But Mr. IVrote^ with great Violence 
and Obftinacy, ftill perfifted to have feveral Propofitions, 
which he made, relating to the Contra6l, put to the Vote ; 
and being refufed, he declared, that fince he could not 
have things put to the Queftion, and for divers other juft 
Caufes of Offence, he appealed to the Quarter Court. 
Neither could he be filenced or reprefled, till the Deputy, 
at the Court's Requeft, put it twice to the Vote, and it was, 
by a general Conlent (Mr. Wrote himfelf, and one other 
only diflenting) a fecond time ordered and refolved ; That 
fince the Points, now moved, had paffed the Judgment of 
a Great and General Quarter Court, they ftiould no more 
be called into queftion or difputed, before the next Quarter 
Court, at which time, if any Perfon had any thing to op- 
pofe againft them, they might come prepared, and do it. 

The whole Court, and particularly the Lord Cavendljh^ 
were much fcandalifed at this turbulent and offenfive Be- 
haviour of Mr. JVi-ote ; which was fufpeiled to proceed, 
not fo much from any evil Mind in himfelf, as from the 
malicious Infufions of fome others, in order to caufe Va- 
riance and Diftraition in the Company. For Alderman 
John/on^ and others of the Fa6tion, were now prefent ; 
who had of late been generally obferved, never to appear 
at their Courts, but againft fome Storm and Confufion. 
Lord Cavendijlo therefore, without naming the Perfon, imme- 
diately wrote a full and particular Account of it to the Earl of 
Soiithafnpton^ who was then in the Country. Whereupon the 
Earl, being willing to fupprefs, in the Beginning, an Affair 
of fuch dangerous Confequence, haftened up to Town, and 
called a Meeting of his Majefty's Council for Virginia^ on 
the nth of the fame Month oi December. But Mr. JVrote 
protefted againft their Power and Jurifdi6lion, as he had 
appealed to the Qiiarter Court ; to which, he declared, he 
would only fubmit himfelf. He then renewed his Accufa- 
tion againft the Deputy, for wrong entering a Court, the 
7th of O^ober laft palled, and thereby bringing the Com- 
pany three thoufand Pounds in Debt. And he did, from 
his firft coming into the Room, behave himfelf in a moft 

violent 



BookV. TZ^^ History 0/ VIRGINIA. 247 

violent and contemptuous Manner, towards the Earl of 1622. 
Southampton^ Lord CavendiJ})^ and the whole Council. ' v ' 

Mr. Deputy faid, that the Accufation againft himfelf ^ j^'-'^^^^^ 
was of a very high Nature, and deeply concerned the Com- ^^^^^^'j. 
pany. For the Entries of their Courts being the Compa- 
ny's Records, to charge them with Falfity, was to call into 
queftion all the Records and Proceedings of the Company. 
He therefore declared the Manner of entering their Courts : 
Firft, the Secretary drew them up, and brought them to 
him, which Draught he, according to the Company's Or- 
der, perufed and correfted ; that then it was read in the 
next Court, diftindly, Article by Article, and after a fuf- 
ficient Paufe and Examination, either confirmed, or amend- 
ed ; after which, it was admitted to Record. And he faid, 
that the very Court, now fpoken of by Mr. Wrote^ had 
accordingly gone through this Courfe ; and that no Excep- 
tions had .'been taken to it, not even by Mr. Wrote^ who 
was then prefent, and ought to have objected, if there had 
been any thing wrong. For he would otherwife himfelf 
become privy and consenting to the Falfification, which he 
now laid to his Charge. But he averred, that there was 
nothing in it, to his Knowledge, wrong entered or amifs ; 
but the whole was truly and faithfully fet down, by the Se- 
cretary and himfelf, according to the Meaning of the Court, 
as they conceived ; which he would, by the Perfons, that 
were prefent at it, fufficiently prove. And as to bringing 
the Company three thoufand Pounds in Debt, there was, 
and could be, no Manner of Colour or Pretence for any 
fuch thing. He therefore folemnly protefted his Innocen- 
cy ; and as, if he fhould be found guilty of this grievous 
Charge, he would deferve the greateft of Punifhments, fo 
he humbly infifted, for his own Juftification, that the Mat- 
ter might be ftriilly looked into and examined. 

The Earl of Southarnpton alfo told Mr. IVrote^ that he 
feemed to take himfelf to be fo great a Man, that they 
were all, as Pigmies, in his Sight ; but as he did not know 
him to be any Prince of the Blood, fo he defired, he 
would carry himfelf with more Calmnefs and Decency. 
And as to his afFrontive Behaviour to Lord Cavendifl)^ the 
Earl faid ; that altho' they were all there equal, as Coun- 
fellors of the Virginia Company, yet there was a very 
great Difference between the Perfons of divers of them ; 
and particularly between him and the Lord Cavendi/}:>^ to 
whom he owed a more refpe6lful Language and Behaviour. 
And fome time after, prefling him upon his Rafhnefs and In- 
difcretion, and on his Failure in his Duty, as a Virginia Coun- 
fellor, Mr. Wrote went out abruptly and departed j faying, 
36 S that 



248 T-6^ History ^/ VIRGINIA. Book V. 

162a. that he came not thither, to hear ill Words. Whereupon 

' V 'the Earl appealed to the Judgment of the Council, then 

Sir ^'^'''""" prefent, what juft Occafion of Offence had been given to 
vernor °' ^^'- JJ^^ote^ that he fliould go off in that rude and unre- 
fpe6tful Manner. They therefore ordered and agreed, that 
a Collection fhould be made of thofe Matters, which 
fhould be objeiled againft Mr. Wrote at the next Quarter 
Court, to which he had appealed. And in the mean while, 
in Regard to the great Contempt, he had that Day fhew- 
ed, they fufpended him from the Council, till he fhould 
clear himfelf of the Matters laid to his Charge, and fhould 
come to a better Temper and Deportment. 

Before the next Meeting of the Company, Sir John 
Brooke^ accompanied with Mr. John Farrar^ went to the 
Lord Cavendijh^ and told him ; that he found Mr. Wrote 
forry, for what he had done ; and had the Earl of Sou- 
thampton been in Town, he would have gone to his Lord- 
fhip, and given him Satisfadfion. He therefore defired 
Lord Cavendijh^ on Mr. Wrote'% Behalf, that the Court, 
which was the next Day to fit, might be put off. For if 
the Proceedings of the former Court, of the 4th of De- 
cember^ fhould be openly read, Mr. Wrote would be put 
upon his Defence and Juftification 5 which would tend to 
widen the Breach, and to render the thing irreconcileable, 
which there were now Hopes of having compromifed and 
fettled upon amicable Terms. And the Lord Cavendtjh^ 
out of this Hope, and in Compliance with Sir John Brooke^s 
Requeft, did accordingly caufe the Court to be put off and 
deferred. But Mr. Wrote was fo far from anfwering Sir 
1623. John Brooked Expe6lation, that at the next Meeting of the 
Company, which was not before the 29th of January^ he 
made this very thing a SubjeCl of Complaint ; as if that 
long Intermiflion of Courts had been purpofely contrived 
to his Prejudice. But being fully anfwered and filenced 
on this Head, by the joint Teftimony of Lord Cavendijh 
and Sir John Brooke^ he infifted, that the Salary Men, as 
being interefted Perfons, and the Deputy, whom he moft 
unjuftly called his Accufer (for both he and his Brother 
were ftill faft Friends to Mr. Wrote^ and endeavoured to 
palliate and make up the Affair) fhould not be prefent, 
when his Bufinefs was difcuffed. He alfo excepted, in the 
grofs, againfl the Entry of that Court ; faying, he fpoke 
not thofe Words, neither in Manner nor Form, as they 
were there fet down. Whereupon a long Debate enfued ; 
Whether it was agreeable to the Cuflom of Courts, and 
would not be productive of great Inconveniency and Dif- 
order, and raife much Queflion and infinite Trouble to 

the 



Wyat, Go- 



Book V. TZ^^ History ^/ VIRGINIA. 249 

the Company by the Precedent and Example, if they 1623. 

fliould fuffer that, which had been entered by fvvorn Offi-''- — v ' 

cers, to be recommitted, and called afrefh in queftion, ^^^ Fraiich 
whenever it (hould pleafe any Man, to make Exceptions . 
againft it. But for Mr. lVrote\ Satisfaction, and to take 
away all Pretence of Cavil and Complaint, an extraordinary 
Court was appointed, to examine by Parts, and to re6lify 
the faid Court of the 4th of December \ to which they 
only, who were that Day prefent, were warned or ad- 
mitted, as being the only proper Witneffes and competent 
Judges of the Matter. 

At that Court, Mr. IVrote ftill behaved, in the fame 
unaccountable and diftempered Manner. He faid, he fuf- 
fered for the Service of his Majeftv, and for doing his Du- 
ty. He repeated his Appeal to the Quarter Court ; and 
thanked the Gentlemen, then prefent, for prejudging him 
to that Court. He alfo declared, if the Quarter Court 
righted him not, he would appeal to the King, the Foun- 
tain of Juftice and Mercy ; often repeating the fame 
Words, with great Paflion and Vehemence. Mr. John 
Farrar having faid, that fomething was untrue, he ran to 
him, and whifpered in his Ear, that he durft not have faid 
Untrue to him in another Place. For which rude Swag- 
gering, he was juftly and fliarply reproved, by the Earl of 
Southampton. He alledged, that Mr. IVithers^ an eminent 
Lawyer of the Company, had fomewhere faid, that the 
Earl of Southampton^ as a Privy Counfellor, might commit 
him ; and protefted, that under that Fear, he durft not 
fpeak freely. He likewife, in a very rude and afFrontive 
Manner, charged the Earl of Southampton with faying ; 
that he blundered out his Indifcretion ; and for giving him 
the Lye in the third Perfon, his Lordfhip having faid ; That 
whoever fliould fay, that Men were in any thing overawed, 
and durft not fpeak their Minds, it was put into his Mouth 
by the Father of Lies ; for a fouler Lye himfelf never 
told. The Earl owned, that he had fpoke thofe Words 5 
and he faid, he would juftify and maintain them ; and if Mr. 
Wrote applied them to himfelf, he could not help it. But as 
to committing him, he defired him to be under no fuch Fear. 
For whatever Honours and Refpeits were due to him, he 
laid them all afide, when he came to that Place, and only 
appeared there, as their Treafurer. But he declared, that 
had Mr. Wrote behaved himfelf towards him fo, in any 
other Place but that, he would not have endured it fo pa- 
tiently ; and he therefore willed him, to be more mannerly 
and difcreet. As to the Court of the 4th of December., 
which they then met to examine and re6tify, it was found 
82 to 




The History ^/VIRGINIA. Book V. 

to be rightly entered, in the main Points and moft material 
Paffages ; and it was accordingly, after a few flight Addi- 
Sir F/-a'"^/i j-JQj^g 3j^j Alterations, fo voted and determined, by an al- 
veiTwr °'iTioft unanimous Voice, one Perfon only diflenting. And 
to put the Matter ftill further out of Difpute, the Earl of 
Southampton fummoned another Court, confifling of the 
fame Perfons, to meet three Days after, and to fee, that 
the faid Court was rightly entered, according to thofe Re- 
formations and Amendments. 

Soon after, Mr. Wrote prefented a Projedl, for the 
better and more thrifty Management of the Contrail ; 
wherein he propofed, to have the whole Bufmefs performed 
for twelve hundred Pounds a Year, and thereby to fave 
thirteen hundred Pounds annually to his Majefty and the 
Companies. And to give the thing the fairer Courfe and 
Hearing, the Earl of Southampton fummoned another Court 
extraordinary, to meet and examine his Propofal. They 
went through the Whole, Article by Article ; and after a 
full Deliberation and Debate, which lafted a whole Day, 
till late at Night, each Point was difapproved and reje6led, 
generally unanimoufly, and never with above three or four 
diffentient from the reft of the Company. 

The 5th of February being the Quarter Court Day, to 
which Mr. Wrote had appealed, and his Affair having made 
a great Noife, and been the Subje6l of much Scandal and 
Defamation to the Company, there was a very numerous 
and fplendid Meeting, confifting of fix Lords, thirty Knights, 
Dr. Donne^ Dean of St. Paul's^ and a vafl: Concourfe of 
others, Dodors, Efquires, Gentlemen, Merchants, and 
Citizens. And the Lord Cavendi/h alfo, to the fame Time 
and Place, fummoned a Court of the Somer-IJlands Com- 
pany, as they were equally concerned and engaged in the 
Bufinefs of the Contra6l. But Mr. Wrote^ having appear- 
ed in Court, foon withdrew ; declaring to Sir Samuel San- 
dys [vfho met, and afked him, whither he was going) that 
he was ill at Eafe, and could not ftay. However Mr. 
Brooke^ and other Gentlemen, learned in the Law, deliver- 
ed their Opinions clearly ; that notwitftanding his Depar- 
ture, and his pretended Appeal to his Majefty, as there was 
no Evidence, that he had really made fuch Appeal, or that 
his Majefty had accepted it, they were no way debarred 
from proceeding againft him, in a due and legal Manner. 
Whereupon Sir Edwin Sandys obferved, that Mr. Wrote 
was not accufed, or profecuted, to that Court, but was 
himfelf the Profecutor and Accufer. If therefore his Ac- 
cufation was well and juftly grounded, why did he forfake 
it then, when that Day and that Court were come, to 

which 



Wyat, Go- 
vernor. 



Book V. TZv History of VIRGINIA. 251 

which he himfelf had appealed ; and when the Perfons, by ^623. 

him accufed, flood there, in the Face of the Court, ready ^- — r ' 

to fubmit themfelves to the Trial, by him called for and^^""^ Francn 
demanded ? But, he faid. Truth and Innocency are bold 
and fettled, whereas Calumny and Falfhood are fugitive, 
fearful. Wherefore, as it was apparent, that the King's 
Ears had been poffefled, and all Parts of the Town and 
Country filled, with caufelcfs Clamours, by Mr. Wrote and 
his Friends ; and whereas his Wrongs to the Council, Com- 
mittee, and whole Company, were fo great, fo groundlefs, 
and fo pernicious, he concluded, that unlefs fome Courfe 
was taken, to punifh and reprefs him, he could not fee, 
but that the whole Government of the Company, muft 
utterly diflolve, and fall into the mofl: extreme Confufion 
and Contempt. 

Hereupon, at Sir fohn Davers\ Motion, it was firft 
unanimoufly voted and agreed, that all Mr. IVrote's Ex- 
ceptions, Charges, and Imputations, at the late Courts, 
were utterly falfe and flanderous. And then proceeding to 
his Sentence, after a long Debate, in which fome propofed 
fevere, and others more gentle Methods, it was at laft con- 
cluded and refolved ; that he fliould be difplaced, and for 
ever excluded from being of his Majefty's Council for Vir- 
ginia ; and that he fhould not be entirely difenfranchifed 
from the Company, but fhould only be fufpended and ex- 
cluded from their Courts, for one whole Year abfolutely, 
in which his SubmifRon fhould not be accepted, altho' he 
fhould offer it. But if, at the Expiration of that Year, 
he fhould make his SubmifTion to the next Qiiarter Court, 
that then it fhould be left to the Pleafure of that Court, 
whether they would re-admit him or not. But without a 
full Submiflion, and due Acknowledgment of his Fault, it 
was ordered, that he fliould never be received at all. And 
it was further refolved, upon Sir yohn Davers's Motion, 
that, if Mr. JVrote flill perfifled in his wilful Courfes and 
unjufb Afperfions, or fhould any way wrong or moleft the 
Company, then, for his Convi6tion and Difgrace, and for 
the Company's Juflification, his Sentence, together with 
an authentic Copy of his whole Proceedings, fhould be put 
into Print. 

It was the Company's great Unhappinefs, that whatever 
Contefts or Diflenfions happened among them, the thing 
was always carried to his Majefly in the worfl Light ; who 
was but too ready and willing, to receive ImprefTions to 
their Prejudice. And fo it happened in this Cafe of Mr. 
Wrote. For Sir Henry Mildmay^ profefTing himfelf, to be 
neither of the Fadion, nor the Fadious, and that he came 
S 3 not 



the History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

not to ftir up Storms, but to allay them, informed the 
Company, that upon fome late Difcourfe with the King, 
Sir Francis Y{^^ Majcfty took Notice of thefe Differences, which were 
veirnor. °" a great Hindrance to the main Bufniefs, and to things of 
efpecial Confequence to the Colony ; to which he alfo at- 
tributed the great Difcouragement of divers Adventurers, 
and their Willingnefs to give up their Shares. And his 
Majefty farther fignified his Will, that the Liberty of the 
Company, in every kind, fhould be preferved and kept 
entire ; and particularly, that no Man fhould be abridged 
of the Liberty to fpeak his Mind freely, fo he did it with 
due Refpeft and Decorum. But this, he faid, he fpoke, 
not as from the King, but as his private Advice and Admo- 
nition. And afterwards at this Quarter Court, when Mr. 
Wrote\ Bufinefs came on, he informed the Company, that 
what he had before intimated to them, as from himfelf, he 
had now Warrant from his Majefty to tell them ; who, by 
Way of Advice and Council, but no way to command 
them, wifhed, that they would leave verbal Differences, 
and go on with the Bufinefs of the Plantation. 

Upon Occafion of this Information of Sir Henry Mild- 
may^ Sir Edwin Sandys obferved, that of all Mr. Wrote's 
Calumnies and Accufations, none was more unjuft, nor 
more apparently falfe and groundlefs, than that, wherein 
he charged the Earl of Southampton (though not by Name, 
yet by neceffary Inference) of overawing the Company, 
and depriving them of the Liberty of Speech. And the 
Earl told Sir Henry M'lldmay^ if it was his Majefty's Plea- 
fure, that they fhould not meddle with any evil Words, 
or feditious Behaviour, they would all obey and defift from 
the prefent Bufinefs. But Sir Henry declaring, that he had 
no fuch Command, but only Warrant, to fpeak by Way 
of Advice, what he had now delivered, the Court pro- 
ceeded to the Cenfure of Mr. Wrote. And the Earl of 
Southampton farther faid, that this thing feemed very ftrange 
and unaccountable to him, but he muft attribute it wholly 
to Mifinformation ; and he wondered, that any Man fhould 
be found, fo fhamelefs and void of all Truth and Confci- 
ence, as thus to abufe the Ears, and mifinform the Mind 
of a King. Whereupon he appealed to the Court, to bear 
Witnefs in that Point ; and they all, with an univerfal 
Confent and unanimous Voice, declared, that it was a falfe 
and unjuft Imputation ; and that they were not overawed, 
but enjoyed fuch Freedom and Liberty of Speech, as was 
in no other Company permitted. And this Declaration they 
often afterwards repeated, with the fame Unanimity ; the 
opponent Fa6lion themfelves, altho' they infinuated and 

kept 



vernor. 



Book. V. i:he History 0/ VIRGINIA. 253 

kept up the Lye at a Diftance, not being fo abandoned to 1623. 

all Senle of Shame, as to fay any fuch thing, in the Face'^- v ' 

of the Court, where there were fo many Witneffes to dif-^";.^'"'";'^" 
prove and confound them. Divers of the Company alfo far-„^;„„^ 
ther faid, that if Men fhould ufe half the Liberty of Speech 
in fome Companies of the City, or demean themfelves with 
fo much Rudenefs and Diforder, as feveral Members did 
in that Court, it would not be fufFered or endured, but they 
would be either punifhed in the Purfe, or fent to the Coun- 
ters. And in Truth, the grand Fault of the Earl of Sou- 
thampton and this Court was, not a tyrannical Government, 
or imperious Reftraint of the Freedom of Speech and De- 
bate, but rather, out of a Principle of Candor and Fairnefs, 
the giving too much Way to Impertinence and Licentiouf- 
nefs of Tongue ; which had it been properly reftrained, 
and duly punifhed, it would, in all Probability, have pre- 
ferved the Being and Privileges of the Company, and pre- 
vented that Difl'olution, which followed. 

From the very Beginning of this Commotion, Sir Ed- 
wiJi Sandys defired Mr. Wrote^ not to be difturbed at his 
Office and Salary. For as he had accepted them with much 
Relu6lancy, and in fole Obedience to the Company's Re- 
queft, as they all knew and could teftify, fo he would refign 
both the one and the other, with a much better Will, than 
he had ever received them. And he accordingly often made 
and declared his Refignation, and very ferioufly protefl:ed, 
that he would never again accept the Place ; and that, in 
Refentment of the late Courfes taken to defame the Officers 
and Salaries, he would not, for any Reward whatfoever, 
any longer put up with, and endure fuch Affronts and A- 
bufes. He therefore defired the Company, to make Choice 
of fome other to the Place of Diredlor, that the Bufmefs, 
for the Want of that Officer, might not fland flill, or re- 
ceive any Prejudice. 

But as Mr. Wrote had thus moved a frefh the Affair of 
the Officers and Salaries, Sir Henry Mildmay confefTed, that, 
akho' he was not dire6lly of Mr. Wrote'':, Opinion, and the 
Salaries had formerly palled with his Vote, yet upon fecond 
Thoughts, he had fince changed that Opinion, and now 
conceived, that fuch large Salaries was the ready Way to 
ruin and overthrow the whole Bufinefs ; which, in his Judg- 
ment, might have been better hufbanded. And he particu- 
larly infiffed, that as the Salaries were to be raifed upon the 
Tobacco, it would be a great Burthen and Oppreffion on 
the poor Planter ; which had alfo been a popular and con- 
ftant Theme of Declamation with Mr. Wrote. In this O- 
pinion, Sir Henry Mildmav was feconded by Sir Thomas 
'S 4 Wroth^ 




The History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

Wroth^ Mr. Edivard fohnfon^ and fome others. This 
Point therefore of the Officers and Salaries was again called 
^'■^"'^'i wholly into Queftion and reconfidered, at a Court, held for 
vemor °" that Purpofe, on the I2th of February. At that time, the 
Oppofers of the Salaries defired, for various Reafons and 
Allegations, that the Confideration might be referred to a 
farther Day. But Mr. Deputy faid, it feemed wonderful 
to him, that Men, who had raifed fuch Storms and Cla- 
mours about the Salaries, not only to the Difparagement of 
the Company's Proceedings, but alfo much to the Hindrance 
of the Plantation, and to the Difgrace and Defamation of 
fome very worthy Perfons, for accepting thofe Places, fhould 
now, after all this Scandal raifed, and Mifchief done, be yet 
unprepared with plain and evident Reafons, to overthrow 
them. And he faid, he marvelled the more at this, as he 
then faw, before his Eyes, fome Perfons, who declared, at 
the Council of the nth of December^ when the Confidera- 
tion of the Salaries was referred to that prefent Day, that 
they would, againft this Time, arm and fortify themfelves, 
to cut the Throat of the Salaries. Wherefore he earneftly 
befought them, not to interpofe any farther Delays, but 
now at length produce thofe Reafons, for which they had 
fo much traduced and defamed both the Salaries and the Of- 
ficers. For they had certainly had fufficient Time, to con- 
fider and ripen the Matter •, and nothing would be Reafon 
in any future Day, which was not then fo. Hereupon 
there arofe a very long Debate ; till the Company, being 
little fatisfied with the Reafons given, and much wearied 
with the many Diverfions, made from the main Queftion, 
efpecially by Alderman johnfon., called upon the Earl of 
Southampton to put it to the Vote •, and it was again voted 
and agreed, with an unanimous Voice (the Gentlemen in 
the Oppofition either retiring, or elfe finding, how inconfi- 
derable their Number was, giving no Vote at all) that the 
Officers and Salaries fhould ftand, as they had been former- 
ly ordered and appointed. 

This was indeed a very great Concurrence and Unani- 
mity of the Company, in the only Affair, for which the 
opponent Fa6f:ion ever feemed to have had the leafl Colour 
or Shadow of Reafon. But altho' the Sum of five and twen- 
ty hundred Pounds a Year, for the Management of this Bu- 
finefs, may, at a flight View, be thought very great and 
extraordinary, yet if it be confidered, that thofe Officers (as 
it was then calculated and agreed) would have an hundred 
thoufand Pounds per Annum., running through their Hands, 
it will not be found fo exorbitant and exceffive. For it only 
amounts to two and a half per Cent, whereof five hundred 

Pounds 



Book V. r/je History of VIRGINIA. 255 

Pounds a Year, or the hz\{ per Cent, was not to be expended, 1623. 
except it could be evidently applied for raifing the Price of"^ v ^ 
Tobacco. And the two great Salaries, arifing to nine hun- ^ ^^^'■^"'■" 
dred Pounds a Year, againft which their Exceptions chiefly vernor. 
lay, did not amount quite to one per Cent, whereas the 
whole Strefs and Burthen of the Bufinefs would lie 'upon 
thofe two Officers, and its Succefs entirely depend- upon their 
Induftry, Care, and Dexterity, in the Management of it. 

A T this Court, the Lord Cavendi/J? alfo moved, that fince 
Sir Edivin Sandys would, by no means, hold the Place of 
Director any longer, they would propofe fome other Perfon 
for that Office. Whereupon fome named Sir Nathaniel 
Rich ; but he excufed himfelf, as uncapable of difcharging 
fuch an Office, and would not therefore undertake it, for 
ten thoufand Pounds a Year. But he declared, if he thought 
himfelf fit for the Bufinefs, he would willingly do it for no- 
thing. Then Sir Thomas Wroth., and Mr. Edward "Johnfon., 
an eminent Lawyer, and very worthy Member of the So- 
ciety, were propofed ; but they both refufed, as no way 
fkilled in fuch Bufinefs, or able to execute the Place. Af- 
terwards it was put to the Qiieftion ; Whether the Compa- 
ny would accept of Sir Edwin Sandys'^ Refignation, and it 
was, by a general Ereftion of Hands, denied. He was 
therefore very preffingly entreated, not to leave the Place, 
upon any Difcouragement whatfoever ; the Company pro- 
feffing, that, without his Affiftance, they much doubted of 
the good Management and Succefs of fo difficult a Bufinefs. 
Even fome of the moft violent in the Oppofition did, at 
other times, exprefs great Satisfaftion in the Choice of Sir 
Edivin Sandys ; and declared, that he, or no Body, was 
able to go through with fo thorny and troublefome an Em- 
ployment : Whilft others feemed difinclined and backward, 
to be any way engaged in it, except it was under his Ma- 
nagement and Dire6fion, And thus the Office of Dire6lor 
was, a fecond Time forced upon Sir Edivin Sandys., with a 
very general and honourable Teftimony of the Company ; 
and he accordingly, with the Committee, entered into Con- 
fultation, about a proper Courfe and Regulation of the Bu- 
finefs ; which, being brought before the Company, was 
generally approved and confirmed. 

But the Centlemen in the Oppofition, finding all At- 
tempts with the Company vain, took another and more 
effedfual Way to deflroy the Contradf. For, twelve Days 
after the Thing had been thus examined a frefh, and again 
fettled and determined, the Earl of Southampton and Lord 
Cavendijh., the Treafurer and Governor of the two Com- 
panies, with the two Farrars., the Deputies, Sir yohn Da- 



vers. 



256 The History e/" VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1623. vers^ Sir Edwin Sandys^ and fome others, were called be- 

' r ■ fore the Lord Treafurer ; where appeared, on the other 

Sir Francis p^j-j.^ ^j^g g^j-j ^f J^f^arwick^ Sir Nathaniel Rich^ Alderman 
Zrnor.^°' 7°^"fi"^ Mr. /Fr^/^, Mr. Bing, and others of that Faaion, 
who were feconded and affifted by Sir John Wolflenhohne and 
the Cuftomers. There palled much Difpute and Contradic- 
tion between the two Parties, which the Lord Treafurer heard 
with great Patience, and without the leaft Interruption to 
either Side. And it was here confidently averred, efpecially 
by Mr. Wrote and Mr. Bing^ that the Companies, in car- 
rying the Contract, had been overawed by the Earl of Sou- 
thampton ; and threatened, unlefs the Contra6l proceeded, 
the Colonies would be taken from them. At length, one 
of the Cuftomers propofed to the Lord Treafurer, that fince 
the Contra6t had been the SubjecSl of fo much Contention 
and Difcord, it might be immediately diflblved ; and that 
the Companies fliould be obliged, to bring all their Tobacco 
into England^ and pay the old twelve Pence a Pound, Cuf- 
tom and Impoft ; which, he faid, would be more fatisfac- 
tory to the Planters, and more beneficial to the King. And 
he then proceeded to calculate and fhew, that a Revenue, of 
twenty thoufand Pounds a Year upon Tobacco, would be 
thence raifed for his Majefty ; which was the utmoft, that 
had been aimed at or expecSled. The Lord Treafurer alfo 
reminded the Companies of the great Grace and Favour, his 
Majefty had fhewed them, by granting them Lotteries, and 
other Means, for the Advancement of the Colonies. And 
this, by the bye, was always infifted on, as a vaft and infi- 
nite Obligation, which the Companies could never return ;. 
and it was therefore for ever urged as an Argument, for 
their granting his Majefty, whatever he demanded. And 
his Lordfhip concluded, that it was a very unfit and un- 
grateful thing, whether there was a Contrail, or no Con- 
trait, not to bring all their Tobacco into England^ to pay 
Duty, that his Majefty's Revenue might be thereby ad- 
vanced. 

These Expreflions of the Lord Treafurer were received 
with great Applaufe and Approbation, by the JVarwickian 
Faction ; who declared, that it had ever been their Defire, 
that all the Tobacco fhould be brought into England. And 
Mr. Wrote farther faid, that the Colony in Virginia had fent 
a Petition, to be exhibited to his Majefty, to that Purpofe ; 
which was however never prefented to the King, but had 
been concealed and fupprefled by the Deputy. By this he 
meant the Petition, already recited (/>. 200) which was fent, 
when no Tobacco from Virginia was imported into England \ 
but coming after the Prohibition was taken ofF, it was there- 
fore 




BookV, "The History of VIRGINIA. 

fore never prefented. The Earl of Southampton therefore 
repUed, that the Colony meant nothing lefs by that Peti 
tion, than what he now pretended. For the Scope of it was, ^ I^^qI', 
to obtain Liberty to bring Tobacco into England^ at a time, ^grnor. 
when they were utterly debarred from importing any. At 
laft they were difmilTed ; and the Lord High Treafurcr told 
them, they might ftill proceed with the Bufinefs of the Con- 
tradl, notwithrtanding thefe Diffenfions and Oppositions. 

But foon after, they were again fummcned, to meet 
before the Lords of the Privy Council, on the 4th of March ; 
Sir Edwin Sandys (the Earl of Southampton being then out 
of Town) and the two Farrars^ with fuch, as they fhould 
bring with them, for the Virginia Company, and for the 
other Side, Sir Thomas Smith and Alderman Johnfon^ with 
fuch Advocates and AlTiftants, as they fhould chufe ; for the 
Somer-Ijlands Company, the Lord Cavendijh^ and fuch, as 
he would bring with him, and of the oppofite Party, the 
Earl of Warivick^ or Sir Nathaniel Rich^ with fuch others, 
as they thought proper. On that Day, they appeared ac- 
cordingly, being attended by the Lord St. "john^ Lord Pa- 
get., Sir Ediuard Sackvil., Sir "John Brooke., Sir John Davers., 
Sir Robert Killigreiu., and divers other eminent Members of 
the Company ; and they were told by the Lord High Trea- 
furer, that this Meeting had been appointed to examine fun- 
dry Complaints, that had been exhibited againft the Con- 
trail, by fome particular Members of their Companies. 
Whereupon the Lord CavendiJJ) made Proteftation, that, as 
the Contrail had often been, moft fairly and regularly, vo- 
ted and concluded, in feveral Quarter Courts, neither him- 
felf, nor the reft of the Company, which then attended, 
came to give any Satisfaftion t-o thofe Members, which 
now oppofed it. For they were not only, as the lefTer Part, 
involved in the general Agreement of the Majority, but 
had, moft of them, aftually given their Votes and Confent 
to the Contrail ; and it would be to the Prejudice and De- 
ftruilion of all good Government, to be perpetually tam- 
pering and treating with them about it. But he faid, if 
their Lordfliips, upon any fmifter Surmifes or Informations, 
had conceived any Doubts about the Matter, himfelf, and 
the reft, were both ready and willing, to give their Lord- 
iliips an Account of their whole Proceedings, and fuch an 
Account, as they trufted and were affured, would, in every 
Particular, give all reafonable Satisfailion. 

Hereupon, the Lords of the Council requiring fome 
of the Complainants to make known their Grievances, Mr. 
Bing ftepped forth, and made a long and very bitter Invec- 
tive againft the Contrail, and the Manner of pafling it. In 

this, 



258 T^v History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1623- this, he ufed great Sharpnefs and Freedom of Speech againft 

^- — » ' the Earl of Southampton ; and endeavoured, by ridiculous 

Sir Franch 2inA mimick Geftures, to mock, and turn him into Con- 
Wyat, Go- j-£^-,p{_ g^jj ]\^j._ j^ifig ^as not now in the Virginia Court ; 
where he and his Pai'ty had long indulged themfelves, in a 
moft immoderate Licentioufnefs of Speech, and Indecency 
of Behaviour. And therefore, altho' the Earl of Southamp- 
ton was no ways gracious at Court, nor confequently to the 
Lords of the Privy Council, his Majefty's immediate Crea- 
tures, yet they fliarply checked and rebuked him. But the 
Lord Cavendijh appealed to their Lordfliips for Juftice a- 
gainft him, for having fo wronged and abufed the Earl of 
Southainpton^ a Peer of the Realm, and a Member of that i 
Board, as well now in their Lordfliips Prefence, as at other 
Times and Places, as he was ready, abundantly to prove. 
Wherefore Mr. Bing was afterwards committed to the Mar- 
fhelfea, by an Order of the Privy Council ; from whence 
he was not to be releafed, until he had made due Submiffion 
to the Earl of Southainpton^ and given him all fitting Satif- 
fa6tion. 

But as to the main Subject of Complaint in Mr. Bing's, 
Speech, the Lord Treafurer propofed to the Companies Three 
Points, to be confidered : Firft, whether the Companies 
had been overawed ? Secondly, whether the Contrail was 
for the Good of the Colonies ? And Laftly, if it was not for 
the Good of the Colonies, how it might be made fo ? The 
debating and clearing up thefe Points took the whole Day, 
both Forenoon and Afternoon. At length, after a long 
Hearing and Deliberation, the Lord Cavendijh^ Sir Edwin 
Sandys^ and Mr. Nicholas Farrar^ Deputy of the Virginia 
Company, were called in, and told by the Lord Prefident 
of the Council ; that they had given a good Account, both 
of the Reafons, which induced them to conclude the Con- 
trad, and of their fair and upright Proceeding in pafling it. 
And he promifed, that a Report fhould be made to his Ma- 
jefty, by that Board, accordingly ; and he doubted not, 
but that the Contrail would be confirmed to them, or elfe 
fome other Bargain granted, as much to their Content and 
Advantage. The Lord Treafurer likewife gave them a mofl 
honourable Teflimony, of their upright Proceedings, and 
wife Adminiftration of the Afi^airs of the Colonies, for the 
four laft Years ; in which, he faid, they had thriven won- 
derfully, and profpered beyond Belief. And his Lordftiip 
further added, that in the former Years, when Alderman 
John/on was Deputy, and the Bufinefs was in other Hands, 
it was carried fouly and diforderly ; fo that, if the Perfons, 
then in the Government of the Companies, fhould be called 

to 



Book V. r/v History of VIRGINIA. 25( 

to an Account for their Proceedings, he queftioned, whe- 1623. 
ther their Eftates would anlwer it. ' -r^^ 

And thus did this Affair go off, in all Appearance, great- ^"^ ^'""' 
ly to the Honour of the Companies, and to the utter Dif- y^.-^'^,! 
grace and Confufion of the oppofite Faction. But whilft 
the Companies were engaged in debating the Matter before 
the Council, the Earl of Warivick and Mr. IVrote were with 
the King ; and what Effeil their Calumnies and Infinua- 
tions might have on the Mind of that weak Prince, may be 
eafily judged by the Event. For the Virginia Company, 
being incouraged by the Third Point, propofed by the Lord 
Treafurer, to be confidered, vi%. If the Contrail was not 
for the Good of the Colonies, how it might be made fo ? 
reconfidered the Whole, in each Article and Particular, and 
propofed fuch Alleviations in the hardeft Parts, as they con- 
ceived reafonable, or thought there were any Hopes of ob- 
taining. And to this End, the Gentlemen in the Oppofition 
were exprefly invited and defired, to join with them ; that, 
laying ailde all Study of Party and Contradiction, thev might 
unanimoufly, and with the Calmnefs of Reafon, examine 
and find out, what was moft necefl'ary and beneficial for the 
Colonies. But the Principal of thofe Gentlemen not vouch- 
fafing their Prefence, they proceeded, and drew up a long 
and particular Reprefentation of the whole Matter to the 
Lords of the Privy Council ; that they might aflift their 
Suit, and be Interceflbrs to his Majefty for them. But 
whilft thefe things were in Agitation, the whole Contrail 
was fuddenly declared by his Majefty, to be void and of none 
Efi^eil. But I cannot difcover the exail Day, when this 
was done ; nor what were the Reafons or Pretences for it. 

And this was the End of the Company's Contrail with 
his Majefty, for the fole Importation of Tobacco ; an Af- 
fair, which raifed vaft Heats and Animofities, and gave a 
Handle, efpecially on Account of the two great Salaries, 
to much Clamour and Reproach. And by this Means, the 
Warwickian Failion v/ere ftrengthened by the Acceffion of 
Mr. JVrote^ Mr. Gibhs^ Mr. Bing^ and other Perfons of Confi- 
deration and Figure ; and it was now encreafed to twenty fix 
in the whole, whereas it had before been even lefs nume- 
rous and potent. As to the Contrail itfelf, it was acknow- 
ledged, by thofe, who were moft vigorous in upholding it, 
not to be abfolutely and in itfelf advantageous, but only 
comparatively good, with Refpeil to their former State of 
Slavery and Oppreflion under the Cuftomers and Farmers 
of his Majefty's Revenues, and as it would ftiield them from 
their farther illegal and arbitrary Impofitions. And the 
Breach of it was, at this time, the more apprehended, as it 

was 



26o T:be History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1623- was likely, that a fole Importation would be granted to 

"— ^ ' fome other Perfons, who made OfFer of fo exceeding and 

Sir Franch j^j.gg ^ Revenue to his Majefty, as could not pofTibly be 
re?ncr. ^°' I'^'^eti, t»ut with the extreme OpprefTion of the Colonies, 
and greatly to the Prejudice, if not to the utter Deftru£lion, 
of their growing Trade and Staple of Tobacco. 

But "the Fadion, that oppofed the Companies, did not 
only, by the Diflolution of the Contra6l, endanger the 
Trade, and render it again fubjecB: to the Rapacioufnefs and 
Extortions of the Farmers and Cuftomers, but their Con- 
tentioufnefs and Malice had another unhappy Confequ^nce. 
It hath been already related, that, in O^ober 1621, the 
Lords of the Privy Council commanded all the Tobacco 
and other Commodities, to be brought from Virginia into 
England ; but upon Reafons given, and a Reprefentation 
made by the Company, the Matter refted, and had been no 
farther infifted on. But now, chiefly at the Inftigation, and 
by the Offers and Motions of the opponent Fadion, their 
Lordfliips renewed that Order, in very ftrong and peremp- 
tory Terms. For, on the 4th of March^ when the Com- 
panies were before the Council, the Lord Cavendiflo^ Sir 
Edwin Sandys^ and Mr. Deputy Farrar^ of the Virginia 
Company, were very fharply reprimanded and threatened, 
becaufe fome Ships had lately gone from the Colonies to 
Holland; and they were ordered, to fignify and declare to 
their Companies, that it was the Pleafure and exprefs Com- 
mand of that Board, that all the Tobacco and other Com- 
modities of the Plantations, fhould be brought dire6tly to 
England. 

When this Affair came before the Company, Sir Ed- 
win Sandys faid, that he fhould always be the Son of Obe- 
dience, and yield a ready Submiflion to the Commands of 
the higher Powers ; as he well knew, it was the Intent and 
Inclination of the Company to do. Yet, in Cafes of evi- 
dent Impoflibility or publick Detriment, he thought it the 
Part of well-ordered Duty, to make a juft and true Reprefen- 
tation of the iMatter, and modeftly propofe their Reafons 
againft it. He therefore obferved, that the Commodities 
of Virginia had three feveral Sorts of Owners : Firft, the 
Company ; fecondly, particular Hundreds and Plantations, 
belonging to private Adventurers in England., as Southamp- 
ton Hundred, Martin's Hundred, and the like ; and thirdly, 
Planters inhabiting and refiding in Virginia., whofe Part he 
conceived to be far the largeft and moft confiderable. As 
to the firft, the Company's Commodities, they certainly had 
them in their own Power, and could always import them 
into England. But over the two latter Sorts, he conceived 

the 



Book V. 1:1:6 History of VIRGINIA. 261 

the Company to have no Power, by Law, to command or 1623. 
controle them. For the Inhabitants of Virginia were, by^""^ v ' 
his Majeftv's original Charters and Grants, declared to be^ ■^'''^""^ 
as free, as the reft of his Majefty's Subjects, which inha- ^^^^^'^^ 
bited the Realm of England^ or any other of his Domini- 
ons. And befides, the particular Societies, and divers of the 
private Brothers in England^ and of the Inhabitants in Vir- 
ginia, had Ships of their own ; and it was not in the Power 
of the Company, to prevent or reftrain them, from carry- 
ing their Goods to the beft and moft promifing Markets. 

H E farther obferved, that Virginia had, or would pro- 
bably foon have, many Commodities, as Salt, Fifh, Pipe- 
ftaves, Caviary, and the like, which in other Countries 
might be vendible at an indifferent Price, but not in En- 
gland. Confidering therefore, that within a few Years, 
when the Term granted in their Letters-patent was expir- 
ed, the King was to have Cuftom of all Merchandife in 
Virginia itfelf, if thefe Goods fhould pay a fecond Cuftom 
in England., and afterwards a third Cuftom in foreign Parts, 
where they were vended, there could be no Doubt, but 
that thefe three Cuftoms, together with the Freight of fuch 
cheap and bulky Kinds of Merchandife, and the other con- 
tingent Charges, would fo feed upon the Commodity, as to 
leave little or nothing, for the Suftenance and Profit of the 
Adventurer and Planter. 

However, he faid, as the Virginians had been driven, 
by the Rigor of former Contractors with the Crown, to feek 
foreign Markets for their Commodities, fo he doubted not, 
but by gentle Ufage and good Treatment, they would be 
eafily induced to return back to England., their beft and moft 
natural Market. But as for what had been alledged by a 
very honourable Perfon, that the Spanijlj Colonies brought 
all their Merchandifes into Spain., and to no other Place, he 
faid, there was a very evident and important Difference be- 
tween the Cafe of the Spanijh Colonies and the Englifi. 
For the State of Spain fuffered no other Commodities of the 
fame Kind, to be brought into that Kingdom, which was 
an exceeding great Encouragement and Benefit to their J- 
merican Plantations ; whereas in England., the Commodity, 
which could be eafily and abundantly fupplied from our own 
Colonies, was not only permitted, but even ftriftly enjoined, 
and fternly commanded, to be imported from a foreign 
Country. But if his Majefty would afford them the fame 
Privilege and Favour, that the King of Spain did to his Co- 
lonies, and would prohibit the Importation of all Commo- 
dities from foreign Parts, that could be furnifhed by our 
own Plantations, there would doubtlefs be all ready and 

joyful 



262 The History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1623. joyful Obedience yielded to this Command, of bringing all 

"^l — V ' their Commodities into England. But without fuch a Qua- 

^^/^'■''"^'Mification and Privilege, he declared it to be his Opinion, 
vernor. ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^ Propofition extremely oppreflive and hurtful 
to the Colonies, and muft foon bring them to utter Ruin 
and Defl:ru6tion. 

This clear and pathetic Account of the Cafe was re- 
ceived with the general Applaufe and Approbation of the 
Company; and Mr. Rider added, that there ^feemed to 
him to be another material Difference, between the Spa- 
nijh and Englijl) Plantations. For the Spamflo Colonies 
were founded by the Kings of Spain^ out of their own 
Treafury and Revenues, and they maintained the Garrifons 
there, together with a large Navy, for their Ufe and De- 
fence ; whereas the Englijh Plantations had been at firft fet- 
tled, and fince fupported, at the Charge of private Adven- 
turers ; unlefs it might be excepted, that his Majefty, out 
of his great Grace and Favour, had granted them fome 
Lotteries and Colle6lions, the Produce of which had never- 
thelefs been expended, merely for the publick Service. To 
which it might have been juftly added, that thofe vaft Obli- 
gations of Lotteries and Colle61:ions were very cheap to his 
Majefty, he never having contributed one Farthing himfelf 
in them, altho' he was a very great, and in a manner the 
only Gainer yet, by thefe Settlements. At length, in or- 
der to lofe no Time, Sir Edivin Sandys and Mr. Chrijhpher 
Brooke were defired, to take both the Reafons, which had 
been formerly prefented to their Lordfhips by the Compa- 
ny, together with fuch new ones, as had been now al- 
ledged, and to draw up a brief Anfwer to this Order of the 
Privy Council. And whereas the Matter was already fo 
well jjrepared and digefted to their Hands, it was thought, 
they might eafily do it, during the fitting of the Court. 
Whereupon they withdrew, and foon returned with an 
Anfwer, containing much the fame in Purport with that, 
prefented to their Lordfliips, about a Year and a Half before, 
by Mr. John Farrar^ then Deputy-Treafurer of the Virgi- 
nia Company. This Draught, being deliberately read in 
the Court, was ratified and approved by the Company ; 
and Lord Cavendijh^ Lord Paget^ and Sir Edward Sackvil 
were entreated, to deliver it to the Lords of the Privy 
Council, in the Company's Name. 

But this Stifnefs and Refolution of the Company did, 
by no means, turn their Lordfliips from their Purpofe. 
For I find, by another Order of the Privy Council, dated 
the 28th of April this Year, that they flill ftrenuoufly in- 
fifted on, and flri^lly enjoined them, to import all their 

Com- 



Book V. The History of VIRGINIA. 263 

Commodities into England. But as Ibme Alleviation and 1623. 

Encouragement, the King, in the fame Order of Council,'" v ' 

declares; that, inftead of the twelve Pence, formerly an- ^'5. Z'''^";'''^ 
fwered to his Majefly, he would, for the future, be con- ^^^^j^^^^ 
tent with nine Pence a Pound on Tobacco (the Cuftomers 
having abated three Pence a Pound Cuftom) and that all 
Tobacco, then lately imported into Englatid^ fhould be 
delivered to the Proprietors, on paying that nine Pence on- 
ly. And for the Information of the People in Fu'ginia, 
that they might know, how to comport themfelves herein, 
this Order was tranfmitted hither, and is ftill extant among 
the Records of our Council. At the fame time, the Lords 
of the Privy Council wrote a Letter to the Governor and 
Council here ; informing them, of his Majefty's gracious 
Intentions, towards the Colony ; and commanding them, 
not to be difcouraged by any loofe Advertifements, pro- 
ceeding from Faction, Malice, or private Ends. But they 
ftreightly charged and required them, in his Majefty's 
Name, to live together, in that Concord, Unity, and joint 
Care of the common Good of the Plantation, as became 
the Undertakers of fuch an A6lion, the Subje6fs of fuch a 
King, and the Profeffors of fuch a Religion. They told 
them alfo, that thev were informed by fome, who had late- 
ly been Eye-witnefles, that their Fortifications, Houfes of 
Habitation, and Provifion of Visual, were not cared for 
in fuch fort, as they ought to be ; which was highly dif- 
pleafing to his Majefty. And therefore they required them, 
to be more careful hereafter, as well for themfelves, as for 
the publick Weal and Subfiftence of the Colony. 

But the Contract being dillblved, and the Benefit of 
fole Importation taken from the Company, the Wariuickian 
FacSlion themfelves were foon alarmed, at the Apprehen- 
fion of a general and unlimited Importation of Tobacco. 
Wherefore Sir Nathaniel Rich propofed to the Company, 
their entering into a new Treaty with his Majefty, for the 
fole Importation, and for farming the forty thoufand Weight 
of Spanijl) Tobacco ; which he gave them to underftand, 
from fome Speech, he had latelv had with the Lord Trea- 
furer, there were great Hopes of obtaining. But his Pro- 
pofition was flighted and rejeded, as a Scheme, which had 
lately been rendered abortive, by himfelf and his I"a6fion ; 
and as it would be neceflarily produ6five of thofe Salaries 
and Expences, which they had fo loudly exclaimed againft. 
But foon after, the fame Gentleman informed the Com- 
pany, that there was like to be a free Importation of all 
Sorts of foreign Tobacco, without Stint or Limitation ; 
and that there was a Proclamation fliortly to come forth, 

S7 T to 



264 'I'he History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1623. to that Purpofe. This was a thing before not fufpected or 

" X 'imagined ; and it was unanimoufly judged, to be utterly 

S^ Franffj jg^j.j^£^jyg of the Colonies. For as the meaneft Tobaccoes 
vemor. °' might be bought in Spain^ for fix Pence a Pound, the Price 
of the Plantation Tobacco, after the Difcharge of Freight, 
Cuftoin, Impoft, and other Charges, would be reduced to 
little or nothing. The Company .therefore unanimoufly 
entered upon feveral Schemes and Meafures, to prevent fo 
unfortunate an Event ; all which at laft ended, in a bare 
Promife from the Lord Treafurer (and the Court Promifes 
of that Time were not greatly to be depended upon ) that 
forty thoufand Weight of Spanifl) Tobacco only, (hould be 
imported into England. 

Sir Thomas Smith' % Accounts remained ftill unfettled, 
and Sir Edivard Sackvil was among the freeft in his Cen- 
fures and Complaints of this Matter. About this time, 
Sir Thomas Smith., cafually meeting him, complained and 
expreffed much Concern, that he fhould publickly, and in 
divers Places, fay, that Sir Thomas was indebted to the 
Company. Sir Edward Sackvil was a young Nobleman of 
a frank and generous Nature. He fpoke freely, whatever 
he thought, and was not at all of a Turn to deny, what 
he had once faid. He therefore confefled it to be true, and 
gave his Reafons for it. Whereupon Sir Tho?nas Smith fo- 
lemnly protefted his Clearnefs and Integrity, and as a Proof 
of it, allced Sir Edivard Sackvil ; If he was fo much in the 
Company's Debt, why they did not, efpecially in this their 
Time of Want and Neceflity, fue and recover it ? For he 
was undoubted folvent, and able to make them full Satif- 
faftion. But, he faid, it was fo far from this, that he had 
been now, for the Space of three Years, in vain impor- 
tuning and folliciting an Audit of his Accounts, and had, 
for that End, delivered in all his Books to the Company. 
This was alfo confirmed by Sir Humphrey Handford., then 
Sherif of London., and one Mr. Abdy., a rich Merchant ; 
who told Sir Edward Sackvil further, that they had for- 
merly, by the Company's Appointment, examined Sir 
Thomas Smith's Accounts, and found the Ballance five hun- 
dred and odd Pounds in his Favour, which they had ac- 
cordingly witneffed under their Hands, and delivered in to 
the Court. As to this Aflertion of thefe two Gentlemen, 
I find, at a Court held May 12, 16 19, on the Motion of 
Sir Thomas Smith., A4r. Maurice Abbot., Mr, Humphrey 
Har.dford., and Air. Anthony Abdy were admitted to be 
pre'ent at the auditing the Account, to fee, that Sir Tho- 
mas Smith received no Wrong. But it was alfo ordered, 
that three of the old Auditors, vi'z.. Sir Edwin Sandys., then 

Trea- 



Book V. "The History of VIRGINIA. 265 

Treafurer, Sir John Davers^ and Mr. John Wroth fhould 1623. 
be of the ^lorum^ and that nothing fhould be concluded, ^'"""V"^ 
without the Confent of two of them at the leaft. And ^ ■^''^"^'■'" 
foon after, at a Qiiarter Court, Mr. Abhot and thofe two ^^^^j^^J.^ 
Gentlemen, together with Mr, Thomas Keightly for the 
Company, were admitted extraordinarily into the Number 
of legal Auditors. But that the Accounts had ever been 
fully audited and pafled by them, is plainly falfe, by the 
whole Courfe and Tenor of the Company's Records. And 
if thefe Gentlemen, who were only Auditors ex parte^ on 
Sir Thomas Smith's Behalf, did give in any Paper to the 
Court, relating to the full Settlement and Ballance of thofe 
Accounts, it could never furely, either in Law or Reafon, 
be received as authentic and definitive. But Sir Edward 
Sackvil being unacquainted with the Proceedings of thofe 
Times, Sir Thomas Smith befought him, that his Accounts 
might be paffed ; and that he might be no farther molefted 
upon that Head, but permitted to go in Peace to his Grave, 
being already far ftricken in Years, and fufficiently affli6i:ed 
with the many Infirmities, incident to old Age. But he 
declared, that none of thofe Pains and Affli6lions were 
comparable to the Grief and Anguifli of Mind, which he 
received from thefe injurious Attacks on his Good-name 
and Reputation ; efpecially as they proceeded from Perfons, 
from whom he had hoped, by his many Years Services, a 
far diff^erent Ufage and Return, 

Sir Edward Sackvil' ?, generous Nature was affefted 
with this Difcourfe ; and he very earneftly and warmly 
moved the Company, to appoint fome Perfons, to put an 
immediate and effeftual End to this Bufinefs. For, as Sir 
Thoynas Smith had thus fairly put himfelf upon his Trial, he 
thought, that to delay it, would hardly be juft, and to de- 
ny it quite, would be an evident and downright Injuftice. 
Whereupon Sir Ediuin Sandys faid, that the Office of Au- 
ditors, as he conceived, was not to make, but to examine 
and fettle an Account ; that the Accounts, exhibited by Sir 
Thomas Smithy had been found by the Auditors, after great. 
Labour and Pains fpent upon them, to be fo diforderly, 
intricate, and defe6i:ive, that they fcarce merited the Name 
of Accounts ; that he fpoke not this, to lay any Afperfion 
on Sir Thomas Smithy further than of Negle6t (for it was 
well known, that he neither made, nor kept thofe Ac- 
counts himfelf) but to clear the Auditors and the Compa- 
ny, from all Imputation and Blame. For they had often 
declared their Exceptions and the Difficulties of thofe Ac- 
counts, as well to Sir Thomas Sinith^ as to the Company ; 
and he then had a Writing, which contained many weighty 
T 2 Ex- 



266 r/:c History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1623. Exceptions againft them. However, altho' they feemed to 
^_-=— Y- — 'him to be altogether bottomlefs and unexaminable, yet he 
Sir F/aw/ipromifed, that the Auditors (hould proceed in them, with 
fVjat, Go- ^ij poflible Expedition. 

vernor. T ' cv 7 r 1 t\ /r t^ rr 

Alderman johnjon and Mr. EJjitigton were now 
likewife found, to be clearly indited eight hundred Pounds 
to the Company, befides the old Magazine Accounts, 
which they kept fo dark and intricate, that the Auditors 
had not yet been able, fully to explicate and unravel them. 
And Sir Samuel Argall (for, about this time, he received 
the Honour of Knighthood) was ftill under Profecution 
from the Company, for his Rapines and extortionate Ad- 
miniftration in Virginia. So that it was evident, that thefe 
Gentlemen could never be fafe or fecure, as long as the 
Company continued in Being ; and it is greatly to be fuf- 
pedted, that they, by the Part they ailed in the late Com- 
motions, aimed not fo much at the Diflblution of the Con- 
trail, as the Diflblution of the Company. But now the 
Contrail being annulled, and the Difturbances fomewhat 
allayed, they refolved to keep the Company ftill in Em- 
ployment, and not permit them to enjoy any long Leifure 
or Tranquility. For foon after the Diflblution of the Con- 
trail, Alderman yohnfon prefented, in a private and con- 
cealed Manner, a Writing to his Majefty, entitled ; The 
humble Petition of fundry Adventurers and Planters in the 
Virginia and Somer-Iflands Plantations. The Subftance of 
this was : 

That among the many memorable Works of his Ma- 
jefty's gracious Reign, the Plantations of Virginia and the 
Somer-Ijlands were not the leaft confiderable : That thefe 
were the firft Americaji Colonies, attempted and brought to 
Effeil, by the EngUfto Nation : That the Beginning of the 
Enterprise was attended with fo great an Expence, without 
any prefent Hope of Retribution, as was fufficient, at the 
firft View and Computation, to have difcouraged the moft 
forward and refolute Adventurers : That however, by the 
Divine Ailiftance and his Majefty's gracious Encourage- 
ment, together with that mild and difcreet Government, 
at firft fettled and appointed by his Majefty, all forts of 
Men were, in fuch kind and friendly Manner, invited and 
induced to engage themfelves in it, that notwithftanding 
thofe many Difficulties, that great Ailion, which muft 
otherwife have perifhed in the Birth, not only took Life 
and Being, but alfo proceeded, for many Years, in a moft 
hopeful and comfortable Courfe : That there was then 
Unity and Love among themfelves at home, and Peace and 
Quiet with the Savages abroad ; by which means, fundry 

of 



Book V. r/v History of VIRGINIA. 267 

of thofe Infidels, and fome of eminent Rank, were con- 1623. 

verted to the Chrijiian Religion, and many Staple Com- ^-^ — < ' 

modifies began to be raifed and imported into England : ^'^"^ t'ranas 
That fuch were the Bleflings, in thofe Times, upon their yg-'^'^^ J 
juft and peaceable Proceedings ; whereas it had come to 
pafs, they knew not how, that notwithftanding his Maje- 
fty's Subjects had been, in great Multitudes, tranfported to 
the Plantations, yet the aforefaid Commodities, and the 
other Fruits of the Enterprife, had not appeared of late, 
as in former Times ; their Unity at home was turned into 
civil Difcord and Difl'enfion ; and their Peace abroad, into 
Maffacre and Hoftility between the Natives and the Colony ; 
and that many of the ancient Adventurers and Planters 
conceived themfelves, to be many ways injured, abufed, 
and oppreffed : 

That fearing, upon thefe Accounts, without the Help 
of a fupreme Hand, the utter Ruin and Deftruftion of thofe 
great and noble Undertakings, and not holding it fit, to 
trouble his Majefty's facred Ears with all particular Com- 
plaints and Allegations, they humbly befought him, to no- 
minate and appoint fome worthy Perfons, by Commiffion 
under the great Seal of England^ who by Oath, or other- 
wife, by all lawful Ways and Means, fhould enquire and 
examine ; What was the true State of the Colonies, at 
the Time, when Sir Thomas Smith left the Government of 
the Companies ; what Monies had fince been colle6led for 
the Plantations ; by whom received, and how the fame had 
been procured and expended ; and what, after fo vaft an 
Expence, was the prefent State and Condition of the Colo- 
nies : That the faid Commiflioners fhould alfo enquire into 
all Grievances and Abufes ; what Wrongs had been done 
to any of the Adventurers or Planters, together with the 
Grounds and Caufes thereof; and fhould propofe, how the 
fame might in time to come, be reformed and prevented ; 
and how the Bufmefs of the Colonies might be better ma- 
naged and carried on. So that, all Contentions being re- 
conciled, the Authors thereof condignly puniflied. Peace 
and Unity reflored, and the Government of Affairs better 
eflablifhed, thofe noble Works might go on and profper 
with a Blefling from Heaven, to his Majefty's great Ho- 
nour and Profit, and to the religious and publick Ends, for 
which they were at firfi: undertaken. 

About the fame time. Captain Nathaniel Butler^ a 
Creature of the Earl of IVariuick's^ who had been fent to 
pillage Bermudas^ and had fled thence to Virginia^ as hath 
been already mentioned, was introduced to the King, and 
obliged, as it was pretended, to give his Majefly an Ac- 
T 3 count 




The History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

count of the State of the Colony in Virginia. This he 

prefented, under the ftarched and afFeded Title of, The 

Sir Francis unmafked Face of our Colony in Virginia., as it was in the 

vemor. °' Jointer 1622. This contained the following Particulars 

and Allegations. 

1. That he found the Englifl:) Plantations generally 
feated upon mere Marflies, full of infe6tious Bogs and mud- 
dy Creeks and Lakes ; and thereby fubjedt to all thofe In- 
conveniencies and Difeafes, which are commonly found in 
the moft unhealthy Parts of Englajtd.^ whereof every Coun- 
try and Climate hath fome. 

2. That he found the Shores and Sides of thofe Parts 
of the main River, where the Plantations were fettled, 
every where fo fhallow, that no Boat could approach them. 
So that, befides the Difficulty, Danger, and Spoil of Goods 
in landing, the poor People were forced to a continual 
Wetting and Wading, and that in the Midft of Winter, 
when the Ships commonly arrived ; and that they thereby 
got fuch violent Surfeits of Cold upon Cold, as never left 
them, till they were brought to their Graves. 

3. That the People, fent over, arriving, for the moft 
part, very unfeafonably in Winter, found neither Gueft- 
houfe. Inn, nor any fuch Place, to fhelter themfelves from 
the Weather ; no, not fo much as a Stroke given, towards 
any fuch charitable and neceffary Work. So that many, 
for want hereof, were not only ieen dying under Hedges, 
and in the Woods, but being dead, lay fome of them many 
Days, unregarded and unburied. 

4. That the Colony, that Winter, was in great Di- 
ftrefs for Provifions, fo that EngUf Meal was fold for thir- 
ty, and their own native Corn, called Maize, for ten and 
fifteen Shillings a Bufliel. But that, however heavy this 
might lay upon the poor People, there were Reafons to 
fufpeft, it was not unaffected by the Chief Men. For they 
only having the Means, in thefe Extremities, to trade with 
the Natives, did hereby engrofs all into their Hands, and 
fell it out at their own Prices. To which he added, that 
he himfelf had heard from the Mouth of a prime one 
among them, that he would never wifh their own Corn 
cheaper, than eight Shillings a Bufhel. 

5. That their Houfes were generally the worft, that 
he had ever feen ; the meaneft Cottages in England being 
every way equal, if not fuperior, to the beft Houfes in 
Virginia. And that befides, they were feated, fo impro- 
vidently, and fcatteringly one from another, as partly by 
their Diftance, but efpecially by the Interpofition of Creeks 

and 



Book V. rZv History of VIRGINIA. 269 

and Swamps, they offered all Advantages to the favage Ene- 1623. 

mv, and were utterly deprived of the Means of fudden Re-*^ v ' 

colledlion, upon any emergent Occafion, ^"^ Framn 

6. That he found not the leaft Piece of Fortification tremor 
That three Pieces of Ordinance only were mounted at 'James- 
City^ and one at Flower-de-hundred^ but not one of them 
ferviceable. So that it was certain, that a fmall Bark of 

an hundred Tons might take it's Time, to pafs up the 
River, and coming to an Anchor before James-'Town^ might 
beat all their Houfes about their Ears, and fo forcing them 
to retreat into the Woods, land under the Favour of their 
Ordinance, and rifle the Town at Pleafure. 

7. That expefting, according to their printed Ac- 
counts, to find fundry Commodities in great Forwardnefs, 
he found not any one of them fo much as in any Toward- 
nefs of Being. For the Iron-works were utterly wafi:ed, 
and the People dead ; the Glafs Furnaces at a Stand, and 
in fmall Hopes of proceeding ; and as for the reft, they 
were had in general Derifion, even among themfelves ; and 
the Pamphlets concerning them, being fent thither by hun- 
dreds, were laughed to Scorn, and every bafe Fellow gave 
them the Lye in divers Particulars. So that Tobacco was 
their only Bufinefs, and for ought he could obferve, every 
Man madded upon that, and little thought of, or looked 
after, any thing elfe. 

8. That he found the ancient Plantations of Hejirico 
and Charles-City quite deferted, and abandoned to the Spoil 
of the Indians ; who not only burnt the Houfes (faid to be 
once the beft in the Country) but fell upon their Stocks of 
all Kinds, and killed and defliroyed them, to the great 
Grief, as well as utter Ruin of the old Inhabitants ; who 
ftuck not to affirm, that thefe were not only the beft and 
moft healthy Parts of the Country, but might alfo, by 
their natural Strength of Situation, have been the moft ea- 
fily preferved of all others. 

9. That whereas, according to his Majefty's gracious 
Letters-patent, his People in Virginia were to be governed, 
as near as poflibly could be, according to the excellent 
Laws and Cuftoms of England^ he found, not only igno- 
rant and forced Errors in divers Particulars, but alfo wilful 
and defigned Deviations from Law. Infomuch that fome 
Perfons, who urged due Conformity to his Majefty's gra- 
cious Intentions, were termed, in Contempt, Men of the 
Law^ and were even excluded from thofe Rights, which 
they were elected and fworn unto in England. 

10. That there having been, as it was thought, ten 
thoufand Souls tranfported to Virginia^ there were not, at 

T 4 that 



270 Tbe History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1623. that preient, through the aforefaid Abufes and Neglefts, 

*■" V ^above two Thoufand of them to be found, and many of 

S^ ^'■'^^"'^thofe alfo, in a mod fickly and defperate State. So that it 

might be undoubtedly expected, unlefs the Confufions and 



fVyat, Go- 



vernor. 



private Ends of fome of the Company in England^ and the 
bad Execution of their Agents in Virginia^ were fpeedily 
redreffed, by a divine and fupreme Hand, inftead of a Plan- 
tation, it would fhortly get the Name of a Slaughter-houfe, 
and fo juftly become odious to themfelves, and contempti- 
ble to all the World, 

The End and Defign of thefe Reprefentations, together 
with their Falfliood and Unjuftnefs in the main, will be 
eafily ken from the foregoing Narration. But however 
flily and covertly they were prefented to the King, the 
Knowledge of them could not be long kept from the Com- 
pany. For the Lord Cavendijh and Sir Edward Sackvil 
were foon advertifed, by their Friends at Court, of Alder- 
man yohnfon^i Petition ; and they had an extraordinary 
Court of the Company immediately warned, in order to 
enter upon fome prefent Courfe, to prevent it's making any 
finifter Impreffions upon his Majefty's Breaft. This Court 
fent fome of their Body to defire Alderman "Johnfon^ either 
to bring, or fend them, a Copy of the Petition, he had 
lately prefented to his Majefty. But he faid, he had nei- 
ther himfelf a Copy, nor knew of any Perfon that kept 
a Copy of it. However he allured them, that the Petition 
was no ways againft the Company. This was likewife af- 
firmed by fome, then prefent in Court, who had been at 
the Delivery of the Petition. They alfo profefled them- 
felves, to be as ftudious of the Good of the Plantation and 
of the Company, as any other whatfoever ; and therefore 
defired the Company, not to intermeddle or engage them- 
felves in the Matter, before they had feen the Petition. 
But this not fatisfying the Court, they were defired to de- 
clare, what was the Subje6l of their Complaint, and againft 
what Perfons. For Lord Cavendifl) faid, if they did not 
find themfelves aggrieved with the Company, they ought 
not to have complained to his Majefty at all, 'till they had 
firft made known their Grievances to the Court, and feen, 
what Remedy would have been by them applied. At 
length, Sir Edward Sackvil faid, that altho' Alderman 
Johnfon and his Accomplices would give them no Light 
into the Affair, yet himfelf, and fome others in Court, 
could fully and certainly inform the Company, what was 
the Subftance of that Petition. Whereupon he gave them 
a fliort and exa6l Account of it's Purport and Aim, and 

declared 




vernor. 



Book V. rbe History ^/ VIRGINIA. 

declared it to be true, upon his own certain Knowledge ; 
which was likewife confirmed by the Lord CavendiJJj. The' 
Court was in no Doubt or Helitation about the Matter, ^^^^j^.^^^q,^ 
clearly judged it, to be dire6tly againft the Company; and ■* ' 
accordingly refolved, to juftify their Condu£l. But as to 
the Iffue of the Alderman's Petition, they readily joined in 
it, and ordered a Petition to be prefented in the Company's 
Name, to befeech his Majefty, that the Examination of 
thefe things might be referred to the Lords of the Privy 
Council ; that fo their Innocency, or their Guiltinefs, might 
be either cleared, or punifhed. And in the mean time, to 
prevent all PrepoflefTion againft them, they ordered a De- 
claration of the prefent State of Virginia^ comparatively 
with it's former State under Sir Thomas Stnith^ which had, 
by the Earl of South ampton^ Order, been drawn up by a 
Committee of the Council, about the Chri/imas before, to 
be now read in the Court, and being, with fome fmall Al- 
terations, confirmed, to be delivered to his Majefty, as the 
Company's A61. This Declaration fet forth : 

That in December^ 1618, being the twelfth Year from 
the firft Settlement of the Colony, after fourfcore thoufand 
Pounds Expence, and upwards, of the publick Stock, be- 
fides other Sums of private Planters and Adventurers, there 
were remaining in Virginia about fix hundred Perfons, 
Men, Women, and Children, and of Cattle about three 
hundred at the moft ; and that the Company was then left 
in Debt near five thoufand Pounds: But that then {Chriji- 
mas 1622) through the Divine Bleiling, notwith (landing the 
late Mortalities in all thofe Parts of Jmerica^ and notwith- 
itanding the Maflacre, and the great Mortality, confequent 
thereon, bv the People's being driven from their Habitations 
and Provifions, there were ilill remaining (as was compu- 
ted) above five and twenty hundred Perfons, fent over at 
the Expence only of thirty thoufand Pounds of the publick 
Stock, befides the Charges of particular Societies and Plan- 
ters ; that the Cattle were alfo encreafed to above a thoufand 
Head, befides Goats, and infinite Numbers of Swine ; and 
that the old Debt, left on the Company by Sir Thomas Smithy 
v/as wholly difcharged : 

That at the faid Time, December^ 16 18, the only 
Commodities of Value, returned from Virginia^ were To- 
bacco and Safl^afras ; whereas, during the four laft Years, 
great Sums had been expended, and infinite Care and Di- 
ligence beftowed, by the Officers and Company, for fetting 
forward various Commodities and Manufactures ; as Iron- 
Works, Wine, Silk, Sawing-Mills, Salt-Pans, and other 
things of the like Nature ; And that they had been particu- 
22 larly 




rhe History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

larly careful, according to his Majefty's Advice and Di- 
redions, to reftrain the Colony from their too eager Pur- 
fuit of Tobacco, as did abundantly appear, from their fre- 
quent Letters, Inftru£tions, and Charters to that Effect, 
with fundry printed Books and Pamphlets, made purpofely 
and publiflied for their Ufe and Direftion : 

That as to the Government, it had been, within the 
four laft Years, reformed according to his Majefty's original 
Diredions, in the Letters-patent ; and the People were no 
longer difcontented and mutinous, but now lived in great 
Peace and Tranquility : And to the End, that Pcrfons of 
Worth might be allured to the Places of Power and Profit, 
and all Occafion of Rapine and Extortion removed, they 
had raifed a competent annual Provifion and Revenue, for 
the Governor, and all other Officers and Magiftrates, and 
particularly for the Clergy, according to the Degree and 
Quality of each Place : 

That thefe their Cares were, by no means, loft or in- 
effectual ; but as they had fettled the Colony in perfe6l Quiet 
and Content, fo they had raifed at home fo great a Fame of 
Virginia^ that Men now, not only out of Neceflity, as at 
firft, but many Perfons of good Quality and Fortune had, 
out of Choice, removed themfelves thither, and were daily 
providing to remove : 

That there had been granted, in the laft four Years, 
forty four Patents for Land, for each of which the Patentees 
had undertaken to tranfport one hundred Men at the leaft ; 
whereas, in the former twelve Years, there had not been 
granted above fix-: 

That, in the faid time, there had been employed forty 
two Ships, moft of great Burthen (whereof feventeen Sail 
were, about Chrijimas laft, in Ja?nes River at once) where- 
as, in four Years before, there were not above twelve em- 
ployed : 

That, in the faid four laft Years, there had come in 
ten times the Number of Adventurers, as had done in twice 
the time before : So that, whereas before the legal Number 
of twenty could fcarce be got together, to make a Quarter 
Court, it feldom now confifted of lefs than two hundred, 
and fometimes of many more : 

That they could not omit the extraordinary Blefling 
of God, in exciting the Hearts of many zealous and devout 
Perfons, to extend their Aid towards this glorious Work, 
who had contributed, within the four laft Years, to the 
Value of fifteen hundred Pounds, for pious and religious U- 
fes ; a Fruit, whereof the preceeding Years were altogether 
barren : 

That 



Book. V. "The History of VIRGINIA. 273 

That however it could not be denied, but that the ^623. 

Encreafe and Profperity of the Colony had lately received 

------ -i . j,,^ ^,, 

Go- 



a fatal Blovi^ and Interruption, by the Indian Mallacre ; and ^^J''""'" 
their Peace and Unitv at home had been much broken and ^emor. 



difturbed, by divers troublefome Oppofitions. But the one, 
they hoped, would foon be fliarply puniflied and revenged ; 
and the other rnuft, with Patience be borne, and overcome 
with Conftancy. 

And laftly, they concluded with befeeching his Majefty 
(as being the firft Founder, and gracious Supporter of this 
great Enterprife, which would continue to all Pofterity a 
conftant Monument of his glorious Name) to grant them the 
four hundred young Men, long fince promifed to be levied 
on the feveral Counties, in order to be fent to Firginia^ to 
root out the barbarous Enemy, and to fupply the Colony, 
in Parts yet defe6live and unfettled -, and they doubted not, 
in a ftiort time to be able, to yield him fo good and fo real 
an Account of the Fruit of their Cares and Labours, as 
might, in fome fort, be anfwerable to their Duty, and to 
his Majefty's princely Expeilation. 

Besides this Declaration, the Lord CavendiJ]} produced 
another Writing, containing a Vindication of the late Con- 
duit of the Virginia and Somer-I/lands Companies. His 
Lord{hip had drawn this up himfelf, for the Satisfaftion of 
fome very noble Perfons, who had, from fmifter Informa- 
tions, conceived a hard Opinion of the Companies Proceed- 
ings ; and as, he faid, thofe Noblemen, upon reading that 
Difcourfe, were fully fatisfied of the Juftice and Fairnefs of 
their Actions, fo he hoped, it might work the like EfFe6l 
upon his Majefty's Mind. Whereupon that Writing was 
deliberately read, and every Article and Branch thereof, 
being duly v/eighed and confidered, was feverally put to the 
Queftion, and it was ordered to be delivered to his Majefty, 
as the Company's A6t and Anfwer ; there being not above 
three Voices againft any Part thereof, and moft of them be- 
ing confirmed and approved, by an unanimous Confent. 
This long Difcourfe contained three different Heads : Firft, 
Anfwers to the feveral Objections againft the Company's 
Proceedings : Secondly, the true Caufes of the late Difa- 
greement and Difturbances : And thirdly, it propofed Re- 
medies, for preventing the like Inconveniencies and Faftions 
for the future. 

I am fenfible, that the long Detail of Declarations and 
Anfwers, is a moft tedious and unpleafant Part of Hiftory 
to the common Reader ; and I have obferved, that fuch 
Pieces, even in the Hands of our beft Writers, and howe- 
ver neceflary to clear up Points of Hiftory, have neverthe- 

lefs 



274 T/v History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

i6-3- lefs been much diftafted by feveral Perfons. But as thefe 
- — r—" publick Papers contain the moft authentic Reafon and Ac- 
Sn ^'•^"f" count of things, and as they are the fureft and moft indu- 
vemor. °" bitable Materials, for an Hiftorian to proceed upon, I {hall 
not be turned from my Courfe, by the accidental Diflike of 
feme Readers. For the Diflblution of the Company now 
draws on, and I intend to give a full View of the Motives 
and Proceedings in that Aftair ; which can be from nothing 
drawn fo well, as from the publick A6ls and Writings of 
both Parties, and their outward Pretences at leaft, and dif- 
ferent Allegations. However, I efteem it my Part and Du- 
ty, to fave the Reader from all unneceflary Forms, and Re- 
petitions ; and to give him the Subftance of thofe original 
A6ls and Records, in the fhorteft Manner I poflibly can, 
without injuring or obfcuring their main Senfe and material 
Points. As for this Difcourfe therefore, now prefented by 
Lord Cavend'iJ])^ and adopted by the Company, it fet forth : 
That it was manifeft, his Majefty's Ears had been abufed 
by divers Mifinformations, to which they held it their Duty 
to give a true and juftiiiable Anfwer. 

I. It was objected, that feme few of the Company led 
and overfwayed the reft ; and that, in the particular Bufi- 
nefs of the Contract, thefe Perfons, aiming at their own 
private Advantage, efpecially in the Point of Salaries, had 
therefore perfuaded and milled the Court. 

To this it was anfwered ; that it was true, fome parti- 
cular Perfons, with great Labour and Pains, and without 
any Hope or Profpe£t of Reward, had employed much of 
their Time and Endeavours, in ftudying, what might tend 
to the Good and Benefit of the Colonies ; and this only with 
the View, to propofe and communicate to the Courts their 
faithful and impartial Advice ; which was the Duty, and 
in the Power, of every Member of thofe Societies, to do. 
But that this honeft Diligence, and thefe clear and difin- 
terefted Views, fliould be interpreted an enflaving or mis- 
leading the Courts, was, in their Opinion, a moft unjuft 
Cenfure, and a hard Requital to thofe Perfons, who, for 
the publick Good, had beftowed fo much of their Time, 
and neglecSted many Opportunities of private Gain. 

And as to the Suppofition, that thefe Men, in Refpe6l 
of the Salaries, had milguided the Courts in the Cafe of the 
Contrail, they made his Majefty a clear and faithful Nar- 
rative of their Proceedings in that Bufinefs ; much the fame 
in Effe6l as I have already related it. And they declared, 
that the Gentlemen, elected to the two great Salaries, a- 
gainft which the opponent F'aftion chiefly exclaimed, did, 
at fundry times, both in publick and private, ufe all poffi- 

ble 



Book V. rbe History of VIRGINIA. 275 

ble Endeavour and Induftry, to keep themfelves from being 1623. 

chofen : But that the Company's Experience of their Faith-' y 

fulnefs and AbiHty, had caufed them to be elefted, and in ^"' P''^"<^i^ 
a manner forced to thofe Employments, againft their Wills : ^g^^or 
And that they had fince, in feveral Courts, as much as in 
them lay, furrendered their Offices ; but their Refignation 
would never be received or admitted by the Company. 

2. It was objeiled, that the Courts were overawed, efpe- 
cially in the Bufinefs of the Contrail. 

To which it was replied, that it was a ftrange Boldnefs 
in any, efpecially in any of the Company, who knew their 
Proceedings therein, to affirm a thing fo manifeftly falfe 
and groundlefs ; which the Company were fo perfe6lly con- 
vinced of, that this was one of the principal Caufes, why 
Mr. Wrote^ who firft broached that Slander, was cenfured 
and fufpended. And they told his Majefty, that this Point 
had been put to the Vote, often and in different Courts, 
when different Perfons were prefent, and it had always been 
unanimoufly adjudged a falfe and fcandalous Imputation. 

3. It was alledged, that thefe Perfons, when they could 
not carry Matters by Plurality of Voices, fpun out the 
Courts 'till eleven o'Clock at Night ; by which Means, 
thofe, who would have oppofed their Schemes, being over- 
wearied with fo long fitting, departed. 

They owned, that the Day, here meant, the Courts 
fat 'till about ten o'Clock. But they gave his Majefty the 
Reafons of it : That many long Courts were to be read and 
examined; that Mr. TVrote's Affair took up much Time; 
and that they were afterwards obliged, to enter upon feve- 
ral Points relating to the Contrail, which muff be then de- 
termined, or elfe deferred for above three Months, till the 
next Quarter Court ; and that this would have been much 
to the Prejudice of that Bufinefs, as they daily expecfled the 
Arrival of a great Quantity of Tobacco. But as to what 
was chiefly infinuated by this Objeilion, thev declared it to 
be utterly falfe. For altho' fome perhaps departed before 
the Rifing of the Court, yet not one of the opponent Party 
v/ent away ; and at the very laft, when the Queftion was 
put, there were, befides divers Noblemen and Knights, a- 
bout an hundred Perfons in the Court. 

4. It was alledged, that whilft the Contrail was in Agi- 
tation, the Courts were purpofely put off, for feven Weeks 
together ; that fome Planters who were fliortly to go away, 
might not have Opportunity to complain againft it. 

This Objeilion they averred to be manifeftly falfe and 
impoffible. For the Contrail, which could only be ratified 
in a Quarter Court, was concluded upon at their laft Mid- 

fummer 



276 rbe History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1 6^3- fummer Quarter Court, when all the old Planters, being 
'""'"^'^"^ about thirty in Number, were, or might have been in the 
^"^■^'■''""'' Court ; for none went away, till about eight Weeks after. 
vern'or. "' Neither could it then be difcovered, that any of them were 
difcontented with it ; but on the contrary, fome argued very 
earnefHy for it. And befides, it was untrue, that the Courts 
were at all put oft' fo long. For altho', by the Orders of 
the Companies, there might be a Ceffation of their Meet- 
ings, in the long Summer Vacation, when the Noblemen 
and Gentlemen of principal Figure and Confequence were 
in the Country, unlefs there fliould occur fome extraordinary 
and preiTing Occafion, yet the Courts met more frequently 
that Summer, than had been ufual at fuch Times, by rea- 
fon of fending out feveral Ships, and with them the Com- 
pany's Orders and Dire6lions to the Colonies. 

5, It was confidently affirmed, that the Virginia Plan- 
ters had petitioned his Majefly, to bring all their Tobacco 
into England; and that this Petition was, by the Officers of 
the Company, fupprefled. 

In Confutation of this, thev referred to the original Peti- 
tion itfelf, then in the Hands of the Lord High Treafurer ; 
and they faid, that no Man, that had ever feen that Peti- 
tion, and had not a Mind wilfully to put Wrongs upon the 
Company, could ever fcrew fuch a Senfe out of it. They 
likewife gave his Majefty an Account of the Occafion of the 
Petition, and the Reaibn why it was not prefented ; the 
fame, that has been already given, in the foregoing Parts of 
this History. 

6. It was obje61:ed, that no Bufinefs could be done in 
their Courts, by reafon of Fa6i:ion and Wrangling. 

To this they anfwered, that it was an odd thing, for 
Men to complain of that, wherein themfelves were princi- 
pally faulty. Yet they denied this to be true, in fo general 
and extenfive a Senfe ; altho' it mufi: be confeffed, that fome 
difcontented Perfons, who had lately joined together to op- 
pofe the Contra6t, had long waited for all Occafions, to 
raife Troubles and Contentions in the Companies ; whofe 
Faces, for feveral Years paft, ha:d never been feen in the 
Courts, except when they came to raife a Tempeft and 
/ Diflurbance. However, they aflured his Majefty, that 
this Fadlion, when they had muftered all their Forces, and 
fent for their whole Strength out of the Country, amounted 
to but twenty fix Perfons ; whereas the Vit-ginia Com- 
pany, in particular, confifted of about a thoufand Adventu- 
rers, and oftentimes two hundred, or more, were aflembled 
at once. So that this Objeilion of Fa6lion and Wrangling 
muft neceflarily return back and reflect on themfelves ; as 



m 



vernor. 



Book V. T'be History of VIRGINIA. 277 

in all well-governed Societies, the major Part was ever un- 1623. 
derftood to involve the Confent of the minor, which, by ^— — r^— ^ 
making Oppofition and Clamour, did undoubtedly thereby '^'^ •'^"'""^ 
render themfelves the fadious Party. , ' 

7. It was objeiled, that the Government of the Com- 
panies, as it then flood, was democratical and tumultuous, 
and ought therefore to be altered, and reduced into the 

Hands of a Few And this was properly argmnentiim ad 

bominem^ and very weighty in the Eyes of that Prince ; who 
had a noted Averfion to all republican Forms of Govern- 
ment, and was, in Truth, for a Monarchv, in the ftrifteft 
and higheft Senfe of the Word. 

However, the Company replied, that as to the Tu- 
multuoufnefs objefted, it was already anfwered in the for- 
mer Article of Fadtion, and plainly appeared to proceed only 
from themfelves. And as to the Democracy, they faid, 
that the Government of the Companies was no other, than 
what was prefcribed in his Majefty's Letters-patent ; and it 
was a bold Cenfure, thus to tax a Government, ordained 
and conftituted by fuch an Authority. But yet they denied 
this Allegation to be juft, or that their Government was 
properly democratical. For the Companies had not fupreme 
Authority over the Peofile of the Plantations, but governed 
them by an Authority derived from the King, according 
to his Laws, and were accountable to his Majefty for their 
Condu6l ; and therefore that Government could not pro- 
perly be termed democratical, where the King was fupreme, 
and where the People fwore Allegiance only to him. And 
thev added farther, that the Companies were fo far from 
having fupreme Power over the People of the Colonies, that 
when any Man had committed Offences, of what high Na- 
ture fo ever (as lately appeared by two notorious Inftances) 
if they could efcape Punifliment in the Plantations, where 
the Companies had Power, by his Majefty's Letters-patent, 
to call them to Trial and Account, they might, there in 
England^ outface the Companies (as thofe two did) and 
they could have no Means of Redrefs, but by appealing to 
higher Juftice. 

However, they owned, that, according to his Ma- 
jefty's Inflitution, their Government had fome Shew of a 
democratical Form ; which was neverthelefs, in that Cafe, 
the moft juft and profitable, and moft conducive to the Ends 
and Efreil aimed at thereby. For thofe Plantations, tho' 
much furthered by his Majefty's Grace, were yet chiefly 
founded by the Purfes of private Men ; who would never 
have adventured their Fortunes in fuch an Entetpriie, if, in 
the Regulation and Government of the Bufinefs, their own 

Votes 




The History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

Votes and Opinions had not been admitted. Befides which, 
fuch infant Undertakings often called for large and fpeedy 
Sir Francii Supplies, which could not be fent, but by the Purfes of 
ve?nor ^°' ^^"7 Men ; who, had their Voices been excluded, and 
the Management committed to a Few, would not perhaps 
have been over-forward and hafty in contributing towards 
their Relief. 

Lastly, they obferved, that the opponent Fadion 
cried out loudly againft Democracy, and yet called for O- 
lio-archy ; which would, as they conceived, make the Go- 
vernment neither of better Form, nor more monarchial. 
But they however hereby difcovered their Aim and Defire, 
which was to draw all things into their own Hands and 
Power, as had been fufficiently manifefted before, by fome 
of their late Steps and A6lions. 

Having thus given Anfwers to the moft material Scan- 
dals againft the Companies, they next proceeded, to inform 
\ his Majefty of the true Caufes, tho' difguifed, why thefe 
\ twenty fix, by their fecret Whifperings and Infmuations, 
and by their continual under-hand Practices, fo much la- 
boured, to difgrace the Government of the Companies, and 
in EfFe6l, to bring the Plantations to utter Ruin. And they 
aflured his Majefty, that, whatever Imputations they might 
lay on the- Companies behind their Backs, they never yet 
had the Confidence, openly to avow and maintain them in 
their Courts, but always qualified them with fuch Diftinc- 
tions and Equivocations, as amounted to a flat Denial of 
what they had faid. And 

1. The firft Caufe of thefe Mens Malice was the ill 
Aff^e6lion of the old Officers; out of whofe Hands (the Co- 
lonies having not profpered under them) the Government 
was neceffarily taken; and their Profperity fince, implying 
the evident Benefit of that Removal, and a manifeft Proof 
of their ill Government, it had fo off'ended them, that they 
endeavoured, the better to cover that Fault, by publick 
Difturbances, and private Pra6tice and Confederation, to 
interrupt the prefent Profperity of the Colonies, and to ble- 
mifli the Reputation, and difturb the Peace of the Compa- 
nies : And that, to this End, they had not forborn to fet to 
their Hands in Atteftation of moft falfe and fcandalous Peti- 
tions ; frequently to lay Imputations themfelves on the 
Courts ; fometimes to procure Complaints from others a- 
gainft them ; and at all times to yield a public Encourage- 
ment and Proteilion to fuch Perfons, as had done Wrong, 
or were declared Enemies, to the Companies. 

2. The fecond Caufe was, that the principal of thofe 
Citizens, and fome others, who had wove themfelves into 

the 



Book V. T:he History of VIRGINIA. 279 

the Oppofition, were for the moft Part fuch, as had for- 1623. 

merly borne Office, either in the Companies, or the Plan-' «- ' 

tations ; who having not cleared their many Accounts (fome^"^ Francis 
of which were very fufpicious) and being prefled by the ^J^^l 
Companies, ufed all the Art, that Malice could invent, to 
do Prejudice, and give Difturbance, to the prefent Govern- 
ment ; hoping, by that means to fhroud themfelves from a 
due Examination, and fo, in the Storm and Confufion, to 
go off, unconvicted and unpuniflied. 

3. Some others of thele Opponents, of a different Rank 
and <^iality, had either been concerned in fpoiling and fleec- 
ing the Plantations, and in fetting forth a piratical Ship, 
called the Treafurer ; or elie had abetted and prote£ted thofe, 
who had done it, with fuch Violence, as was greatly to the 
Offence, Scandal, and Wrong of the Company, But their 
Ends not fully anfwering their Expecflations, they had there- 
fore abandoned the Virginia Courts, except when they came 
to raife Troubles and Diffentions, in order, by that means, 
to keep the Company from calling thofe Offences into 
Queftion. 

4. Most of the twenty fix were involved in fome, or , 
all thefe Caufes of Diffenfion ; and the kw that remained, \ 
were either Servants to, or had neceffarv Dependency upon, 1 
fome of the reft. 

Lastly, thev went on to propofe fome Remedies, to 
prevent the like Inconveniences and Difturbances for the fu- 
ture. Since therefore thei'e Colonies were chiefly fettled, 
for the Honour of his Majefty's Times, in propagating the 
Chrijiian Religion in thofe barbarous Parts ; for the Enlarge- 
ment of his Dominions ; for the Encreafe of his Revenue ; 
for the enriching his People ; and for the future Strength 
and Ornament of the Kingdom of England ; they befought 
his Majefty, to give Countenance and Encouragement to 
their Labours ; to believe well of the Companies, and not 
give too ready a Credit to the malicious and pre-concerted 
Informations of fome of their Members ; and to grant them 
fome fuch prefent Teftimonv of his good Opinion, and gra- 
cious Acceptance of their Endeavours, by Letter or other- 
wife, as might do Honour to the Company, and ftrengthen 
their Authority. And this they were the rather induced to 
hope, as the late great Breach in the Companies had been 
occafioned, by their Forwardnefs and Defire, to advance 
his Majefty's Profit and Revenue by the Contra6l. And 
they farther befought his Majefty, to be gracioufly pleafed 
to declare his Intention, that, in all Bufinefs of the Courts \ 

for the future, they ftiould be left freely to govern them- 
felves, by their Charters and Laws ; and withal, to give 
"9 U prefent 



IVyat, Go- 
vernor, 



280 "The History 0/ VIRGINIA. Book V. 

162,3. pfefent Order to the Lords of the Privy Council, that, if 

' — "> ' there fliould be any fuch private Confpiracy, Confederation, 

Sii- Franch Q^ Oppofition, as thc Companies themfelves could neither 
remedy nor punifh, to afford them their Help and Affiftance, 
in the Remedy and Punifliment of the fame. And laftly 
they prayed, that for fuch, as had been accufed of henious 
Crimes, committed in the Plantations, and had thence efca- 
ped, and then braved the Companies in England^ his Ma- 
jefty would be gracioufly pleafed, to extend his Power, and 
fend them back to the Plantations, there to receive their juft 
and legal Trials. And by thefe Affiftances, the Companies 
would be enabled, chearfully to proceed, and in fliort time 
fo to advance thofe great and noble Undertakings, as would 
give his Majefty full Content, and juft Caufe to believe, 
that thefe his Favours had been well beftowed, and rightly 
ufed. 

The Earl of Southampton was not prefent, when thefe 
things paffed ; and as he was obnoxious at Court, and had 
received fome ill Ulage from it, it may be furmifed, that he 
kept out of the Way purpofely, to avoid being farther em- 
broiled. But it is, I think, much more agreeable to the 
Character of that worthy and patriot Nobleman, to fup- 
pole, that he did not defert his Station in fuch a Manner, 
but was abfent on other juft and neceffary Occafions. In 
his Abfence therefore, thefe two Papers (together with a 
Petition to his Majefty, to refer the Hearing of the Com- 
plaints of Alderman 'Johnfon and his Affociates, to the Body 
of his moft Honourable Privy Council) were committed to 
Lord Cavendijl:)^ Lord Delatuarr^ Sir Edward Sackvil^ Sir 
yohn Brooke^ and Colonel Ogle^ to take the firft proper Op- 
portunity to prefent them to his A-lajefty, and to make 
Choice of fuch others of the Company, as they thought 
fit, to atend them. 

This Court alfo, at Mr. Deputy Fai-rar^?, Motion, 
conferred the Freedom of the Company on Careiu Ralegh 
Efq; the only furviving Son of Sir Walter. He had gone, 
after his Father's Death, a Gentleman Commoner, to JVad- 
ham College, in Oxford; where he continued his Studies, 
about five Years. About this time, being yet fcarce twenty 
Years of Age, he came up to London^ and went to Court ; 
hoping by the Favour of William., Earl of Pc?nbroke., his 
noble Kinfman, to obtain fome Redrefs, in the Hardfliips 
and Wrongs done him. But the King did not like his 
Countenance there ; and faid, that he appeared in his Court, 
like his Father's Ghoft. Wherefore, by the Earl's Advice, 
he removed himfelf from his Majefty's Sight, and went 
upon his Travels, till a more favourable Conjuncture fhould 

offer. 



BookV. "The History ^/VIRGINIA. 281 

ofFer. But however fixed this Monarch might be in his 16-3. 

Antipathy, and however fleadv and conilant in doing an ' \ ' 

eternal Difhonour to his own Judgment and Fame, by dir-|^^'"^'" 
gracing and depreffing every thing that had Relation to vernor. 
this Great Man, the FirgtJiia Company feems to have had 
a quite different Notion of things. For they willingly em- 
braced the Pretence, of Sir TValter Raleigh's being the firft 
Difcoverer of Firginia^ to teftify their Refpe6i: to his Me- 
mory and Merit, by conferring extraordinarily, upon his 
Son, the Freedom of the Company, and a Voice in their 
Courts. And he accordingly appears at their Courts, com- 
monly ranked with the Knights, till June the next Year, 
at which time, it may be fuppofed, he went on his Tra- 
vels. 

Soon after this, authentic Copies of Alderman yo/m- 
fon's Petition and Captain Butler's Information were, by 
fome Perfon, fent to the Company ; which being publickly 
and diftinftly read, the Court was informed by Perfons of 
Worth, that this Report, in particular, of the Unhealthi- 
nefs of the Country, and of the Colony's being feated 
among Bogs and Marflies, having been incluftrioufly fpread 
by Captain Butler and his Affociates, not only over all 
Parts of the City, but likewife into divers Parts of the 
Country, was likely to ftop many hundreds of People, who 
were preparing to tranfport themfelves thither ; and that it 
was therefore abfolutely necellary, to make an immediate 
Enquiry about that Matter. Whereupon fome, then pre- 
fent, who had been long and often in Virginia^ affirmed 
upon their certain Knowledge, that, at all the Plantations 
on the main River, they might land, with Boats drawing 
three Foot Water, from half Flood to half Ebb, fafe and 
drv, without wetting their Foot ; and that they had found, 
by their own Experience, the Air to be as wholefome, and 
the Soil for the moft Part, as fertile, as in any Part of £71- 
gland^ or of any other Country, where they had been. 
But the better to obviate the ill Confequences and Calum- 
nies of Captain Butlers Information, an Anfwer was drawn 
up in Writing againft the next Meeting of the Company, 
and fubfcribed by the Rev. Mr. Willi arn Meafe^ aJ ^iiTift er, , 
who had lived ten Y t2ii's''nC^ifginw~\ Tyone Mr 7 ^(j/) n ' 
ProSrer^ a Man of good Sort, who had lived there fourteen 
Years ; and by fourteen others, Mafters of Ships, Mari- 
ners, and Inhabitants, who had been and lived, fome more 
and fome lefs, in the Country, and were perfecSlly ac- 
quainted with the River, and all Parts of the Colony. 
This Anfwer, which they declared themfelves ready to 
juftify upon Oath, contained a flat Denial and Difproof of 
U 2 the 




'The History ^/VIRGINIA. Book V. 
the feven firft Articles of Butler % Information. As to the 
three laft, they left them to be anfwered by the Governor 
and Company, as relating immediately to themfelves, and 
containing things, either above their Determination, or out 
of their Knowledge. And as this Writing contained the 
Teflimony of Eye-witnelles to Matters of Fa6l, it agreed 
fo exa6llv in Subftance with an Anfwer, afterwards return- 
ed from Virginia by the Governor and General Aflembly, 
that I fhall not detain the Reader, at prefent, with an Ab- 
ftracft of it, but fhall refer to that more authentic Teftimo- 
ny of the whole Body of the Colony, which vi'ill be here- 
after recited, in it's proper Time and Place. 

But befides this Difproof of Captain Butler^s Informa- 
tion, the farther to dete6l and expofe his malicious De- 
figns and unfair Proceedings, two Papers were produced in 
Court, and admitted to Record, under the Hands of John 
Severfie, Mafters-Mate, and "John Loiue^ Boatfwain, of the 
James. In thefe they affirmed, that coming, one Morn- 
ing, to Captain Nathaniel Butler^ about fome Bufinefs, the 
faid Captain brought a Writing in his Hand, and began to 
read fome Part of it ; telling them, he had been with the 
King, and protefting, the Writing was for the Good of the 
Country. Whereupon they, being in great Hafte, having 
heard a i&w Lines only read, and not attending much to 
the Matter, and befides conceiving Captain Butler to be a 
very honeft Man, did readily fet their Hands to the faid 
Writing. But having fince underftood, that it was in Dif- 
grace and Difparagement of the Country, they, the faid 
John Severne and John Loive^ did thereby difavow the faid 
Writing, as fali'e and unjuft ; and farther protelled, that, 
upon their Oaths, they muft declare the contrary. And all 
thefe Proofs of his wilful Malice and Injuftice did Captain 
Butler fit in the Court and hear, and calmly demanded a 
Copy of the Anfwer to his Information. 

But as his Majefty intended, in Compliance with the 
Petitions of both Alderman Jahnfon and the Company, to 
appoint Commiffioners to enquire into all thefe Matters and 
Allegations, the Court thought it proper, to prepare be- 
times to make their Defence. To this End, as the Com- 
pany confifted of many Members of both Houfes of Parlia- 
ment, they were naturally led to the Parliamentary Me- 
thods of proceeding, and refolved themfelves into a grand 
Committee of the whole Company, which had Power, to 
fubftitute and ordain other Sub-Committees, for expediting 
Matters ; that fo the Bufinefs, being parted among many 
Hands, might be the more fpeedily and better accompliflied. 
And now having Copies of Alderman Johnfons and Cap- 
tain 



veinor. 



Book V. T:ke History of VIRGINIA. 283 

tain Butler\ Complaints, they foon after drew up direft 1623. 
and particular Anfwers to them both. ^T""^' ^ 

In Anfwer to Alderman Johnfon'% Petition, they "^-^^ J'^'^^J^ 
ferved, that it was founded upon three main Allegations : , ^^ ' 
Firft, that the former Government, under Sir Thomas Smithy 
as Treafurer, and Mr. Canning and himfelf, as Deputy- 
Treafurers, was mild and difcreet ; whereby all Sorts of 
Perfons were induced to engage thenifelves in that great 
and difficult A6lion, which thence proceeded in a moft 
hopeful Way, and with Peace and Concord ; whereas it 
had of late come to pafs, that their Love and Unity at 
home were turned into civil Difcord and Diflenfion ; and 
that divers of the ancient Adventurers and Planters con- 
ceived themi'elves, to be many ways injured, abuied and 
opprefl'ed. 

To this they replied: That as to the Government at 
home in thofe times, all his Majefty's particular Inftru6tions 
therein were clean fuppreffed and extinguiflied, and the 
Originals no longer extant ; and that there were no Orders 
made for the Government of the Company, except now 
and then one, upon prefent Occafion. And as to the Go- 
vernment abroad in the Colony, it was, for the moft part, 
left abfolutely to the Governor's Will and Pleafure ; only 
inftead of a Body of moderate Laws, agreeable to the Con- 
ftitution and Government of England^ there was printed at 
home, and with great Honour dedicated to Sir Thomas 
Smithy and afterwards by him fent to Virginia^ by his own 
Authority, and without the Company's Order or Confent, 
a Book of moft truculent Laws, written in Blood ; which, 
altho' they might lerve for Martial Government in time of 
War, being tranflated moft of them from the Martial 
Laws of the United Provinces, yet were abfolutely deftruc- 
tive of all the native Rights and Liberties of EnglifJ) Sub- 
jects, and very far from deferving the Name of a mild Go- 
vernment, here given it by the Petitioners : And that, for 
this Caufe, People in England were deterred from going 
over in Perfon, to live there under fuch bloody and tyran- 
nical Laws, and many of his Majefty's Subje6ls in Firgl- 
nia were put to moft unjuft and undeferved Deaths. But 
moft efpecially, fuch a Weapon was hereby put into the 
Hands of one of the Governors, a Kinfman of Sir Thomas 
Smith, that he, in a manner, fpoiled and deftroyed the whole 
Colony, as was ftill extant and to be feen, in the Letters of 
Sir Tho?nas Sinith himfelf and Alderman Johnfon. 

That the Confequence of this Mifgovernment was, 
that the Colony was wafted to a few hundreds of Peo- 
ple, who had neverthelefs no Intent to proceed in the Plan- 
U 3 tation, 



284 "the History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1623. tation, but being deftitute of Food, both fpiritual and tem- 

^— '^v ' poral, cried out loudly againft the Company, for Injuftice 

Sir Francis ^^^^ Cruelty ; being fome times, in Defpair, all fhipped to 
vemor. °" I'eturn, and at other times, in Revenge, adopting to them- 
felves new Patrons and Defenders againft their bad Govern- 
ment. And that Adventurers at home did indeed, at firft, 
come plentifully in, as to a new Thing ; but that, at laft, 
they abandoned the Courts, and refufed to pay their Mo- 
nies fubfcribed ; for vv^hich being fued, they pleaded in 
Chancery, upon their Oaths, that the Monies were not 
converted to the Ufe intended, but to particular Men's 
Gains ; and that no Accounts were kept, or were at leaft 
to be feen. But on the contrary, they faid, what Refor- 
mations had been made, and what Meafures taken, in Point 
of Government, for the four laft Years, might be appa- 
rent to all Men ; and that their Labours herein had given 
fuch Satisfa61:ion to the Plantations, that the Colony of Vir- 
ginia had, in particular, by a publick A&i in their General 
Affembly, returned Thanks to the Company, for their 
great Love, Juftice, and Care. 

As for Difcord and Diffenfion, they acknowledged, 
within the Compafs of the four laft Years, there had been 
fome great Rents made in the Council and Company ; but 
that thefe proceeded wholly from the Alderman and his 
Party, the greateft Number of whom were feldom feen in 
their Courts, but when they came to raife, or to nourifti, 
this very Difcord and Faction, they here complained of. 
And as to the Wrongs and Oppreffion of the ancient Ad- 
venturers and Planters, they challenged him to fhew, that 
the Juftice, which it was in the Company's Power to give, 
had ever been denied to any Man whatfoever ; much lefs 
had the Goods of fome particular Perfons in the Colonies, 
by private Directions and underhand Letters, been taken 
violently from them, contrary to all Juftice and due Courfe 
of Law, and configned into the Hands of their potent Ad- 
verfaries in Englajid ; as was notorioufly done, in the Cafe 
of Captain Miles Kendal^ formerly Governor of Bermudas^ 
who was fpoiled by Captain Butler^ his Succeflbr, of four- 
teen Negroes, granted him by a Dutch Captain, under a 
falfe and groundlefs Pretence, that they belonged to their 
piratical Ship, the Treafurer. 

The fecond Allegation of Alderman Johnfon's Petition 
was : That, under the former Government, they had 
Peace with the Indimis^ by which means fundry of thofe 
Infidels, and fome of eminent Rank, were converted to the 
Chriftian Religion ; whereas, of late, there had been a 
MalFacre and Hoftility between the Natives and the Colony 
of Virginia. I N 



Book V. -Tbc History of VIRGINIA. 285 

In Aniwer to this, they denied, that except Pocahontas 1623. 
(whom they here call Matoax) there had happened any^"^ — ^'"^"T' 
thing of Note in the Converfion of thofe Infidels, under ^ILf''"'!^'' 
Sir Thomas S?nith\ Adminiftration. And they farther ^i- ^^.y^ax. 
firmed, that, during his time, the Englifl) were almofi: in 
a continual War and Hoitility with the Indians ; and that, 
in particular, Captain Argall came away, in the laft Part 
of that time, and left unpunifhed the Murder of ten of the 
EngUjh^ by a Party of the Chickahominies. But on the 
contrary, how great, and what chargeable Attempts, had 
been made, within the laft four Years, for the Converfion 
and Education of thofe Infidels, was fufficiently evident, 
from the Plantation for the College ; on which, notwith- 
ftanding the late Maflacre, they conceived, there were yet 
remaining fixty Tenants, or thereabouts. And the Com- 
pany had indeed, in their firft Letter after the Knowledge 
of the Maflacre, propofed Methods, and given ftri6l Or- 
ders, to the Governor and Council, for the Renewal of the 
College, and Refettlement of it's Lands ; but Means being 
wanting, the Governor and Council could do nothing in it 
to Effe6l. However they promifed, that that pious Work 
Oiould, by the Divine Afhftance, again proceed, in due 
time. And as to the Hoftility with the Indians^ they de- 
clared, there had been none, v/ithin the four laft Years, be- 
fore the late treacherous and bloody Mafi^acre ; which had 
it not happened, thefe Maligners muft have been mute, 
and would have had nothing to alledge to the Difgrace of 
the Company and Plantation. 

The third Allegation of the Alderman's Petition was: 
That, in the firft twelve Years, divers Staple-Commodities 
began to be raifed and imported into England; whereas, of 
late Years, the aforefaid Commodities did not appear. 

They replied, that this Objection reflefted ftrongly on 
the Objector himfelf. They owned, that fome Sam.ples of 
thofe Commodities had been, by the Induftry of Sir Thornas 
Dale^ fent home, in the ninth and tenth Years of the firft 
twelve ; but that none had appeared, in the two laft, un- 
der the Government of Captain Argall. The Reafon of 
which was, that the Magazine being then on foot, whereof 
the Alderman was Director, it pleafed him, to fet no Price 
upon any other Commodity, except Tobacco and Saflafras, 
being Commodities of his own Trade, and for the greateft 
Part whereof he himfelf became the Company's Chapman ; 
and that, by this means, all Endeavours for thofe other 
Commodities were abandoned, and the Colony poflefled 
with that doating Afie6lion for Tobacco, which the Com- 
pany had not fince, with all their Care, been able to ex- 
U 4 tinguifii. 



286 T^^ History ^/ VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1623. tinguifh. And they then proceeded, to recount their late 

^^ V 'Endeavours for raifing divers Commodities; which had in- 

^''^^ ^''"""' deed lately received a fore Interruption from the Maflacre, 

Wvat, Go- ,. y ■ ^ iT^ri- ni • 

vernor. Dut It was their Intent and Kelolution, Ihortly agam to re- 
ftore and fet them up. 

As for that Pretence, that the Petition aimed at no other 
End, but that after the Work of fome necelTary Reforma- 
tion, the Work of the Plantations might be again renewed 
and profper ; they faid, they were obliged, therein to de- 
tect the Alderman's unclear Proceedings, For it fhould be 
juftified againft him, by undeniable Proof: That he had 
laboured of late, by ftrange and falfe Allegations, to dif- 
courage fome Perfons of Eminence and Fortune, from fa- 
vouring or proceeding in the Enterprife : That he had 
brow-beaten and found Fault with fuch, as had commended 
the Country, fo much extolled formerly by himfelf, in fun- 
dry printed Treatifes ; and had declared, that the World 
had been cheated and deluded by Virgbiia : That he had 
faid, there were too many of the EngUJh Nation there al- 
ready ; that the Staple-Commodities, fpoken of, would 
come to nothing ; that the Iron was bafe, and not worth 
the Freight ; the Grapes four, and the Climate improper 
for Wine ; that the Mulberry Trees had a Prickle in them, 
which deftroyed the Silk-worms, when they came to any 
Bignefs ; and that the Converfion of the Infidels was a vain 
and impoflible Attempt, they being defcended of the cur- 
fed Race of Ham. And now, whether a Perfon of this 
Malice and Virulency of Difpofition was a proper Inftru- 
ment to work out the Good of the Colonies, they left to 
the Judgment of all clear and impartial Minds. 

Lastly, touching the Iflue of the Petition, that all 
Abufes might be examined and reformed, the Company de- 
clared, they willingly concurred with the Petitioners there- 
in, but could not forbear remarking their too evident Par- 
tiality. For they defired only, that the Accounts fince Sir 
Thomas Smiths Time might be examined, which had al- 
was been fairly kept, and legally audited, according to the 
Orders of the Court, ( except by one only of the Petitioner's 
Society) and yet they palled the Accounts of the former 
Years over in Silence, which were neverthelefs three times 
as large, and thrice three times more queftionable. 
* In their Anfwer to Captain Butler''% Information, they 

\ recited, that the feven firll: Articles had been anfwered by 
\ fixteen Eye-witneiTes of the Matters alledged. Men of un- 
queftionable Chara6ler and Veracity, who were ready, at 
any time, to juftify the fame upon their Oaths. They 
therefore referred to that, as being the higheft and moft 

unex- 



veinor. 



Book V. The History of VIRGINIA. ^287 

unexceptionable Evidence, that could be had in fuch a 1623. 
Cafe ; and they proceeded themfelves, to give Aniwers to ''-' — v — — ' 
the three laft Articles. But as the Anfwer, afterwards re-^ Francis 
turned from Virginia by the Governor and General K{- ^^^^^'' 
fembly, was much the fame in Purport with this, I fhall 
ftill, to avoid all tedious and needlefs Repetition, refer to 
that, hereafter to be given. But as to Butler's. laft Claufe, 
of the Confufions and private Ends of fome of the Com- 
pany in England^ and of the bad Execution of their Agents 
in Virginia^ they befought his Majelty, that he might not 
be permitted to wander in fuch general and indeterminate 
Accufations, which only tended to Slander and Defamation, 
but might be obliged to make an exprefs and particular 
Difcovery of thofe Perfons and Meafures before the Com- 
mifTioners, that were foon to be appointed. And in the 
mean while, they protelled againft it, as calumnious and 
unjuft, and of the felf-fame Truth with the reft of his In- 
formations. 

M R. Berhbck alfo defired, that a fliort Paffage, out of 
one of Sir Thomas Dale^ Letters to Sir Thomas Smithy might 
be read ; which he had accidentally happened upon, in pe- 
rufing the Company's Books, by Order of the Court. This 
was dated in yune 16 13, and has been already mentioned 
and extrafted. In it, he defires them not to be gulled by 
the clamorous Reports of bafe People, but to believe Caleb 
and Jajhua^ and gives a very great and lavifli Commenda- 
tion of the Country ; which Mr. John Stnith declared to 
agree exa6tly, with what he, and divers other Perfons of 
Worth, had heard from his own Mouth in Englayid; and 
Mr. Copeland affirmed, that Sir Thomas Dale had told him 
the fame in Eite6i:, at Japan in the Eaji-Indies. There 
was alfo read Part of a Letter from Sir Samuel Argall to 
the Company, dated in July 161 7, highly commending the 
Healthinefs and Conveniency of James-Town. To thefe 
was added, at the Lord CavendiJ]}''?, Motion, a long Decla- 
ration, by his Majefty's Council for Virginia^ and the prin- 
cipal Affiftants for the Soner-IJlands ; in which, they plain- 
ly, and without Difguife or Palliation, laid open the whole 
Scene of the Earl of IFarwick'i Proceedings, with the ini- 
quitous Pradlices of himfelf and his Fa6lion, but moft efpe- 
cially of his too grand Inftruments of Rapine, Sir Samuel 
Argall and Captain Butler. This long and particular Rela- 
tion has been of fingular Service, and given great Light, in 
the fuller Detection of their fraudulent Arts and Manage- 
ment ; but as it contains nothing materially different from 
the foregoing Relation of their Proceedings, I fhall eafe both 
myfelf and the Reader from the Trouble of an Abftra£l. 



288 The History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

i*^^3- All thefe Publick A£ts, Declarations, and Teftimonials 

"-y — t ' were laid before his Majefly, the Lords of the Privy Coun- 

S\T Francis ^jj^ ^^^ ^j^g Commiflioners. For, two Days after this, on 
vernor. ^ '^^e Qth of May^ a Commiflion iffued, under the Great Seal 
of England^ to Sir William "Jones^ Knight, one of his Ma- 
jelly's Julf ices of the Court of Common Pleas, Sir Nicholas 
Fortefciie^ Sir Francis Go/ton^ Sir Richard Sutton^ Sir JVil- 
liam Pit^ Sir Henry Bonrchier^ and Sir Henry Spibnan^ 
Knights, or any four of them, to examine and enquire into 
all Matters and Bufineffes, any ways relating or appertain- 
ing to the Plantations of Virginia and the Somer-I [lands. 
Altho' the Points, to be enquired into, ran very much, in 
j this Commiffion, according to the general Heads, and even 
I the very Words, of the latter Part of Alderman yohnfon\ 
Petition, yet the Lords of the Privy Council had the Alder- 
man's Partiality reformed, and their Enquiry was not con- 
lined to the four lad: Years, but extended to all A6ls and 
Things, from the firft Incorporation of the Companies, 
and Settlement of the Colonies. Who thefe Commiflioners 
were, and what were their real Characters and Condu£t 
through Life, I cannot fay. I only find, that Cambden., in 
his Annals for the Year 1619, briefly mentions Fortefcue., 
Gofton., Sutton., and Pit., late Commiflioners for the Navy, 
and for Domeftick Affairs, to be then knighted. 

From this time, all Letters from the Colonies, both 
publick and private, were intercepted by his Majefty's 
Command ; in order to furprife, and find out, any fecret 
Combinations and underhand Pra6lices of the Companies, 
or their Officers. All their Books and Records were like- 
wife fequeftered, by an Order of the Privy Council ; and 
both the Mr. Farrars., the Deputv-Treafurers to the two 
Companies, were laid under Arreft, and confined. I can- 
not difcover, by what Colour or Pretence this was done ; 
but it was a great Interruption, in preparing the Company's 
Bufinefs, which was to be laid before the Commiflioners. 
For their Defence depended entirely on their Books and 
Records, from which, they doubted not, to make their 
Innocencv abundantly appear. And they were fo fenfible 
of the Prejudice, that would arife to the Companies, by 
their Deputies Reftraint, who were their greateft Accomp- 
tants, and by reafon of their Places, the moft converfant 
of all others in the Bufinefs of late Years, that they peti- 
tioned the Privy Council, fo far at leaft to fet them at Li- 
berty, that they might be able to go forward with the Com- 
pany's Bufinefs, and attend the Commiflioners. And their 
Books were accordingly foon after reilored, and the Depu- 
ties releafed. 

But 



BookV. TZv History <?/ VIRGINIA. 289 

But from thefe, and other difcouraging Circumftances, ^^~^■ 
it was an eafy Matter to conjecture, what was aimed at, ^^-~v~— '' 
and how things were going. And therefore the great Of-^"" ^''^''"■^ 
ficers of the Company, the Earl of ■ South a?tiptoti^ Sir Edzuin vc^rTor 
Sandys^ and the two Farrars^ through whofe Hands all the 
Company's Bufineis and Money had of late Years paffed, 
fued out their general Acquittances in the Court. And as 
their Accounts had undergone the Examination of the 
Company's Auditors, and had laid, all their legal time, and 
fome much longer, open in the Courts, for any Perfon to 
examine, and make Exceptions againll them, their Dif- 
charges were granted, under the legal Seal, by a chearful 
and unanimous Concurrence of the whole Company. The 
Proportions of Land, formerly granted, were alfo confirm- 
ed to them in the ftrongeft Manner, and Mr. 'John Farrar 
had the befl Security they could give him, for three hun- 
dred and twenty Pounds, which he had taken up at Intereft, 
for the Ufe, and by the Order of the Company ; all their 
Effects from Virginia being ordered, to be configned into 
his and his Brother Nicholas Farrar % Hands (who was like- 
wiie foon after found to be about eighty Pounds in Advance 
for the Company) till their Ballances, with all other Da- 
mages incident thereto, were difcharged. 

In Coniideration of the ill Confequences, of having con- 
tinued Sir Thoinas S?nith fo many Years in the Place of 
Treafurer, the Company had made it a ftanding Rule and 
Order, that no Perfon, after that, fliould hold the Place of 
Treafurer or Deputy, above three Years together. The 
Earl of Southampton's three Years being therefore now ex- 
pired, Lord Cavendijh and Lord Paget were named, to 
ftand in Election to fucceed him. The King had always 
been endeavouring, to get fuch a Perfon chofen into that 
Place of chief Government, as fliould be perfe6fly fubmif- 
five to his Pleafure and Command. And now, on the Day 
of Ele6lion, the Court received a Letter from his Majefty, 
fignifying ; That he had appointed Commiffioners, to exa- 
mine into the prefent State of the Colony of Virginia ; 
and as he expe6ted to receive, within a few Days, fome 
Account of their Labours therein, it was his Will and 
Pleafure, that all Officers fhould continue, as they were ; 
and that they lliould not proceed to any new Ele6tion, be- 
fore the Morrow fortnight after, at the fooneft. This un- 
expected Order, and myfterious Reafon, caufed a long and 
general Silence in the Court. But at length, confidering, 
that they were reftrained, by their Charters, to Quarter 
Courts only for the Election of Officers ; and that, all Of- 
fices expiring that Day, their Government would become 

void, 



290 rhe History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1 6^3- void, and their Patents forfeited, unlefs fomething was done 

'^l'^^^ 'therein, they continued all Officers in their Places, not a 

^'^''''"'"' Fortnight longer, but 'till the next Quarter Court, when 

vemor. °' Only Ele6fion could legally be made. And thus, the King 

never after having expreited his Pleafure herein, and the 

Company, to avoid Mifconftru6lion, forbearing to do any 

thing, 'till his Majefty's Pleafure was farther known, the 

Earl of Southmnpton and Mr. Nicholas Farrar were, from 

time to time, continued in their Places, 'till the Suppreffion 

of the Courts and DifTolution of the Company. 

In fome of the intercepted letters from Virgiyjia^ the 
Lords of the Privy Council found great Complaints of the 
Scarcity of Provifions. This had been occafioned by the 
MafTacre, and the confequent War with the Indians ; by 
which much of their Corn and Stocks had been deftroyed, 
and a general Interruption given to the Culture of their 
Lands. Their Lordfhips therefore called the Deputy, and 
a {q\n more of the Company, before them ; and acquaint- 
ing them therewith, commanded them, to fend an imme- 
diate Relief to the Colony. And they propofed, that the 
whole Company fhould be obliged to contribute their Parts 
towards it, according to the Number of each Man's Shares, 
by rating them at twenty, or at leaft: ten Shillings, a Share ; 
and that they fliould be compelled to pay the fame, by an 
Order of that Board. But Mr. Farrar and his Aflbciates 
feem, not to have been perfetSlly convinced of the Legality 
of fuch a Proceeding ; and conceived themfelves to have no 
Power by Law, to lay fuch a general Alfefment on the Com- 
pany, without their Confent. Wherefore, after much De- 
bate, they prevailed on their Lordfliips, to permit them to 
proceed, in their ufual Method of voluntary Subfcriptions. 
And as the opponent Faction had been loud before the Lords 
of the Council, and prefixed much the fending a fpeedy Sup- 
ply, thereby endeavouring to infinuate and refle6t on the 
Negligence and finifter Views of the Company, a Roll of 
Subfcription was prepared purpofely, and prefented to them, 
to fubfcribe by themfelves ; and Sir Edward Sackvil earn- 
eftly entreated them, to be liberal and exemplary in their 
Contributions, fince they had expreffed, before the Council, 
fo tender a Senfe of the diftrefied State of the Colony. But 
they had the Confidence to withftand fo ftrong a Snare ; and 
the Colony was obliged to the other Side for the Supply, as 
I find intimated, in a Letter from Mr. Deputy Farrar^ fent 
at the fame time, in the Name of the Council and Com- 
pany. However, it was not of that vaft Ufe and Relief, as 
was imagined or pretended. For, as the Deputy and Com- 
pany had judged, the Colony had gathered in their Corn, 
before it could poffibly arrive. But 



Book V. The History of VIRGINIA. 291 

But notwithftanding thefe lowering Profpecls, and this "623. 
unpromifing Arpe6l of their Affairs, the Company proceed- ^"I^-y-^— 
ed chearfuUv and boldly in their Defence. And therefore, as ^"^ J''''"'^" 

. r> -r^^ 1 II 1 o- fry at, Go- 

foon as the Commiflioners were known, they deputed on- ^^.^^^j.^ 
Edward Sackvil^ Sir Robert Killigrezu^ and Sir John Da- 
vers^ to wait upon them, in the Company's Name ; and 
to declare their Joy and Satisfaction, in the CommilTion's 
being iflued. And they very earneitly and unanimoufly 
befought them, to take into their immediate Confideration 
Captain Butler's Information to his Majefty, entitled ; The 
unmaflied Face of the Colo?iy in Virginia ; which had given a 
deadly Wound to the happy Progrefs and Profperity of that 
Plantation. So tiiat until, by their Wifdom and Integiity, 
the Truth fliould be diicovered, and the World again pof- 
fefled with their former Hopes and good Opinion of that 
Colony, it mull undoubtedly languiih, if not fliortly periili,- 
for Want of thofe daily Supplies, which its Reputation a- 
lone had before railed, in great Abundance. But I do not 
find, that the Commiflioners took the leaft: Notice, or did 
any thing in Coni'equence, of this juft and reafonable Re- 
queft ; altho' the Company urged it often, as a Point of 
great Importance, which required an immediate Examina- 
tion and Difpatch. But foon after, they iflued their War- 
rant to Mr. ColUngivood^ the Secretary, and to all other the 
Clerks and Officers of the Virginia Company, to bring 
before them, to the Queft-Houfe, adjoining to St. Andreiu's 
Church in Holborn^ all and fingular Letters-patent, Pro- 
clamations, Commiffions, Warrants, Records, Orders, 
Books, Accounts, Entries, and all other Notes and Wri- 
tings whatfoever, in their Cuftody. Hereupon the Com- 
pany appointed a Committee, confifting of Sir Rohert Kil- 
ligrew^ Sir John Davers^ Mr. Herbert^ Mr. Tomlyns^ Mr. 
White^ Mr. Withers^ Mr. Bland^ Mr. Barber^ and Mr. 
Berblock^ who fhould all, or any three of them, with the 
Secretary, attend the Commiffioners, from time to time, with 
the Letters-patent, Books of Accompt, and other Writings. 
But they charged them, at every Rifing of the Commif- 
fioners, to bring back the original Letters-patent, and to 
leave with them only a Copy ; which, they hoped and con- 
ceived, would be fufficient. The Commiflioners were like- 
wife defired, in the Company's Name, to refpite the Deli- 
very of their Books of Account, 'till their Accomptant had 
taken Copies of them ; when they were, together with all 
other Writings and Records, delivered into their Hands, and 
never afterwards returned to the Company. 

Whilst the Company urged to the Commiflioners an 
immediate Enquiry into the Truth of Captain Butler's Al- 
legations, 



292 The History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1623. legations, they, at the fame time, recommended to their 

' y 'View and Perufal, as a thing relative to that Affair, the 

Sir Francis Declaration of the Council for Firgittia and of the princi- 
vciMior, ° P'^^ Affiflants of the Somer-I/Jands Company, which hath 
been before mentioned, and which charged, in a home and 
open Manner, the Earl of IVarivick and his Fadion, but 
particularly Sir Samuel Argall and Captain Butler^ with ma- 
ny illegal and opprelTive Prailices. This, I prefume, gave 
Occafion to a Letter, which the Company foon after re- 
ceived from the King ; wherein he utterly forbids, that any 
Complaints fliould be brought before the Commiflioners 
againft any Man, in the Name of the Council or Company, 
becaufe that Courfe only tended to Defamation, and to raife 
more Contention ; and becaufe to bring Matters, deter- 
mined by the Council or Company,, before the Commif- 
fioners, was to preoccupate the Commiflioners Judgments, 
or elfe to oppofe the hSl and Opinion of the Council and 
Company, to the KQi and Opinion of the Commiflioners. 
It was therefore his exprefs Pleafure and Command, that 
whofoever would exhibit Complaints againfi: any Man, ei- 
ther for publick Wrong to the Company, or for private 
Injuries to himfelf, he lliould bring the fame in Writing, 
fubfcribed with his Name, to the Commiflioners, who 
fliould receive the Anfwer thereto in Writing, and there- 
upon proceed, as they fliould fee Caufe. 

What was the End or Defign of fuch an Order is not 
eafily conceived, I think ; unlefs it was to prevent the Com- 
pany from acting with that Unanimity and Agreement, 
which it plainly appeared, they would, and which, in the 
Eyes of all impartial Men, would give the greater Weight 
and Authority to their Proceedings. And where the Juftice 
was, or Legality, of forbidding the Company to profecute 
for publick Wrong to themfelves^ as a Body corporate, and 
to leave it only to private Men, who could not legally do it, 
without being firft authorifed and impowered by the Com- 
pany (and then it became their Act and Deed) is to me 
equally myfterious and inconceiveable. I am unwilling to 
make hard and uncharitable Interpretations ; but this whole 
Affair of the Commiflioners appears to have very little of the 
Face of Juftice, but feems to have been fet on Foot for quite 
different Ends and Purpofes. 

But befides this, that Letter contained another exprefs 
Command ; That no Man, of what Degree or Quality fo- 
ever, fliould be admitted to their Courts or Committees, 
who, befides his Freedom and Land, had not fome Men 
then, or lately before, planted upon his Shares ; or that 
was not, at that time, actually engaged in, and accordina;- 

Tv 



Book V. The History of VIRGINIA. 293 

ly purfued, the fending of A4en or Supplies over. And he 1623. 

farther ordered, if any other prefumed to be prefent at their ^"^-^^ ' 

Meetings, that they fliould be proceeded againft, as factious ^ Francis 
and feditious Perfons. This was hkewife a manifeit ^i^- ^J^^^ 
fringement of their Charters, which had fpecilied the dif- 
ferent Ways, by which Men fliould become free, and a6l 
as Members of the Company. Being therefore much ftag- 
gered and furprifed at both thefe Points, they refolved to 
hold no more Courts, 'till the King's Pleafure was farther 
underftood. To this End, they prefented a Petition to his 
Majefty ; in Anfwer to which, he, in efte6l, took off and 
reverfed thofe two Prohibitions and Commands. After 
which, the Company again proceeded, as a Body corporate, 
in their Bufmefs before the Commiflioners ; and they laid 
before them their Reafons and Exceptions againft Sir Thomas 
Sjnith's Accounts, together with all the other Declarations, 
Anfwers, and Writings, which had been drawn up, and fo 
unanimoufly agreed to, by the Committee of the whole 
Company. And they ftill particularly infifted upon, and 
ftrenuouHy preffed, the expediting Captain Butlers Affair, 
as that Bufinefs was the moft urgent, and moft immediately 
hurtful and pernicious to the Colony. 

But what the Commiflioners did, what Enquiries they 
entered upon, and what Reports they made to his Majefty, 
was a dead Secret to the Company ; who, in a Letter to 
the Colony, acknowledge themfelves to be entirely in the 
Dark, as to what was paiTing, or what was intended. At 
length, after long waiting for the Iffue of their Enquiries 
and Determinations, Mr. Deputy Farrar^ with fome few 
more of the Company, were called, on the 8th of OSioher^ . 
before the Lords of the Privy Council, who made fome 
Propofals to the Deputy. But thefe being of a very weighty 
and important Nature, and Mr. Farrar conceiving himfelf 
to have no Power to give an Anfwer to them, they were, 
at his Requeft, drawn up into an Order of that Board ; that 
fo he might, under that Form, prefent them to the Com- 
pany. This Order of Council fet forth : / 

That his Majefty had taken into his princely Confi- 
deration the diftrefl'ed State of the Colony of Virginia^ oc- 
cafioned, as it feemed, by the ill Government of the Com- 
pany : That this could not well be remedied, but by redu- 
cing the Government into fewer Hands, near the Number 
of thofe, that were, in the firft Patent, appointed : That 
therein efpecial Provifion fhould be made, for continuing 
and preferving the Interefts of all Adventurers and private 
Perfons whatfoever : That Jiis Majefty had therefore re- 
folved, bv a new Charter, to appoint a Governor and twelve 

Affiftants, 



294 "The History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1623. AfTiftants, to be refident in England^ to whom fhould be 

' Y^~^ committed the Government of the Company and Colony: 

Sir Prancn^YiZt the faid Governor and Afliftants fhould be nominated 
vemor. "and chofen, for the firft time, by his Majefty ; and that 
their Election afterwards fhould be in the following Manner, 
vi-z. the AfTiflants fhould prefent the Names of three to his 
Majefty, of whom he fliould nominate one, to be Gover- 
nor ; and the AfTiftants themfelves fhould be chofen, by the 
major Part of their own Body for the time being, the Names 
of thofe to be chofen being firfl prefented to the King, or 
the Council Board, to be allowed of, or difallowed, by his 
Majefly ; and that the Governor, and fix of the AfTiflants, 
fhould be changed, once in two Years : That there fhould 
alfo be refident in Virginia^ a Governor and twelve Aflif- 
tants, to be nominated by the Governor and Afliftants in 
England^ they firft prefenting their Names to his Majefty, 
or the Council Board, for their Allowance or Difallowance 
of the fame : And that, as the Governor and AflTiftants, 
refident in Virginia^ fhould have Relation and Dependence 
on the Governor and Afliftants in England^ fo the Gover- 
nor and Afliftants in England^ fhould have Relation and De- 
pendence upon the Council Board, that fo all Matters of 
Importance might thereby be under his Majefty's immediate 
Direilion at that Board : And that his Majefty further pur- 
pofed, to make the like Grants, as well of Lands, as of other 
Franchifes and Benefits, as had been granted in the former 
Charters ; with Declaration, that for fettling and eftablifh- 
ing all private Interefts, this new Company fliould confirm, 
or grant anew to all Perfons, the like Interefts, .as they en- 
joyed by the Grant, Order, or Allowance of the former 
Company. And therefore, the Deputy and the reft were, 
by their Lordfliips, required, to affemble a Court forthwith, 
to refolve, whether the Company would fubmit, and fur- 
render their former Charters, and be content to accept a new 
one, with the aforefaid Alterations -, and they were com- 
manded to return their Anfwer with all Expedition, his 
Majefty being determined, in Default of fuch Submiffion, 
to proceed for recalling their former Charters, in fuch Sort, 
as to him fhould feem juft and meet. 

This Order of Council fo ftruck and amazed the Com- 
pany, that, as if they diifrufted their own Ears, they caufed 
i it to be read over three feveral times ; and after that, no 
■, Man, for a long while, fpoke a Word to it. However, 
eight of the Failion of Twenty-fix, being prefent with Sir 
Samuel Argall at their Head, moved the Company, in Con- 
formity to their Lordfhips Order, to make an immediate 
Surrender of their Charters ; but far the major Part of the 

Court, 



Book V. rbe History of VIRGINIA. 

Court, to the Number of an hundred and twelve Perfons, 
declared refolutely againft it. They faid, it was a Matter 
of fuch Weight and'Confequence, that they thought them- ^j;; ^^''^^^J^* 
felves to have no Power to give an Anfwer to it, in that vemo'. 
ordinary Court. For fuch Courts were, by their Charters, 
only permitted, to treat of cafual and particular Occurren- 
ces of lefs Confequence ; but all weighty Affairs, and par- 
ticularly all things relating to Government, were reftrained, 
by the precife Words of their Letters-patent, to Quarter 
Courts only. Wherefore, whilft their prefent Patents were 
in Force, that ordinary Court had no Authority, to deter- 
mine fuch a Matter as this, being of the highell and moft 
important Nature, that had ever been propounded to them. 
To which it was added, that, in Obedience to their Char- 
ters, chey had never taken to themfelves the Liberty, to 
difpofe of fo much as a fingle Share of Land, but in their 
Quarter Court ; and they conceived themfelves much more, 
even in Confcience, bound, not to betray their Truft, and 
fo fuddenly pafs away all the Rights of themfelves and the 
reft of their numerous Society, and of all the Planters in • 
Virginia alfo, who were equally interefled with them in 
their Letters-patent. They therefore befought their Lord- 
fhips, that their Anfwer might, upon thefe juft Grounds, 
be refpited till the Quarter Court ; which, being the 19th 
of November^ was not far off; and againft then, they fhould 
have Leifure to confider well of fo weighty a Proportion. 
And to this End, they ordered a very large and particular 
Summons to be given to all the Adventurers, againft that 
Day ; and that their Officers fhould give them efpecial No- 
tice of the Bufinefs, then to be treated ; and defire them, 
in the Company's Name, not to fail to be prefent \ which 
if they did, they would be without Excufe, and would have 
no Manner of Pretence, to complain afterwards. 

This Anfwer, however confonant to both Law and 
Reafon, gave no Satisfaftion to the Lords of the Privy 
Council ; who, by another A£t of their Board, dated the 
17th of the fame Month of O^ober^ declared it to be merely 
delatory. Wherefore, as his Majefty expe£fed a fpeedy 
Account of their Proceedings in that Bufinefs, and as it did 
likewife, in itfelf, require all Expedition, in Regard of the 
Importance and Confequence thereof (which, by the bye, 
was an odd Reafon for being hafty) they ordered, and ex- 
prefly charged, the Deputy and the reft, to affemble them- 
felves again immediately, and on the Monday following, 
being the 20th of the faid Month, to deliver a clear, dire(9t, 
and final Anfwer to that, which had been before propound- 
ed, and was that Day reiterated unto them : vi%. Whether 
41 X the 



296 



"The History <?/ VIRGINIA. Book V. 
1623. the Company would be content, to fubmit and furrender 

' r- — their former Charters, and to accept a new one, with the 

Sir Francis Alterations, mentioned in the aforefaid A£l of Council, 
vefno'r. "' ^nd the Deputy was likewife commanded, to propound 
the Queflion to the Company, in thofe clear and precife 
Terms, in which it was then delivered. 

I N Obedience to this Order of the Privy Council, Mr. 
Farrar called an extraordinary Court ; at which, by rea- 
fon of the Shortnefs of the Warning, there were only fe- 
venty Perfons prefent. And having propofed the Queftion 
to them, in the exprefs Terms, prefcribed in the h.Qi of 
Council, nine Voices only were for fubmitting. Sir Tho?nas 
Wroth being added to the former eight. But all the reft 
being ftrenuoufly againft the Surrendry of their Charters, 
an Anfwer was accordingly returned to their Lordfliips. 

These Proceedings, which ftruck plainly at the Root 
and Foundation of all the Rights and Franchifes of both 
the Company and Colony, made a great Noife, and natu- 
rally gave the Alarm to all fuch, as were any way deeply, 
or immediately, engaged in the Adion. Some Ships there- 
fore, which were preparing to fail, were flopped, till the 
Iflue and Intent of thefe A6ls of Power were farther feen 
into and underftood. But the Lords of the Council, being 
apprifed of this ill Confequence, made another Order of 
their Board, on the 20th of OBober^ importing : That their 
Lordfliips were that Day informed, there was fo great a 
Difcouragement among many of the Virginia Adventurers, 
on Account of the intended Reformation and Change of 
the Government, as rendered them fearful to profecute their 
Adventures ; fo that it would probably occafion fome Stop 
to thofe Ships, which were then ready freighted, and bound 
to that Country. That, altho' their Lordfliips much mar- 
velled, that any Man fliould fo far miftake their Meaning, 
confidering the Declarations, that had been made at that 
Board, viva voce^ as alfo by an Ail of Council, and other- 
wife, yet for the better fatisfying of those, who, through 
their own Error, or the falfe Suggeftions of others, had con- 
ceived any fuch Fear or Difcouragement, they thereby a- 
gain declared, that there was no other Intention, than 
merely and only the Reformation and Change of the prefent 
Government ; whereof his Majefty had {t^w fo many bad 
Effe6ls, as would endanger the whole Plantation, if it was 
not corre6ted and amended : That neverthelefs, for fo much 
as concerned the private Intereft of every Man, his Ma- 
jefty's Royal Care was fuch, that no Man {hould receive 
any Prejudice in his Property, but fhould have his Eftate 
fully and wholly conferved to him, and if any thing was 

found 



■vernor. 



BookV, -rZv History r/ VIRGINIA. 297 

found defe6live, better fecured ; fo that none needed to ap- 1623. 

prehend any fuch Fears or Inconveniencies, but contrariwife^ — ^-> ' 

chearfully proceed. It was therefore ordered by their Lord-^*^ Framn 
Ihips, and thought fit to be publifhed to the Company, that^ ^^ ' 
it was his Majefty's abfolute Command, that the Ships, then 
intended for Firginia^ and in fome Readinefs to go, fliould 
be forthwith difpathced away, for the Rehef of the Colony 
and Good of the Plantation, without any farther Hindrance 
or Stop. 

What were the Proceedings of the Commiflioners all 
this while, I cannot tell ; nor whether his Majefty found 
fufficient Matter, as he thought, from their Reports, to 
fupprefs the Company, and revoke their Charters. But the 
better to fortify this Defign, and to raife Matter of Com- 
plaint and Accufation, the Lords of the Privy Council, on 
the 24th of October ^ appointed "John Harvey^ Efq; (after- 
wards well known, as Governor of Virginia^ by the Title 
of Sir John Harvey) John Pory^ (formerly Secretary, and a 
noted Tool of the Earl of Warwick's) Abraham Pierfey^ 
Samuel Matthews^ and John Jefferfon^ Gentlemen, to be 
their Commiflioners, to make particular and diligent En- 
quiry, touching divers Matters, which concerned the State 
of the Colony of Virginia. And that they might the better 
perform the Orders they had received, and difcharge the 
7>uft committed to them, their Lordfliips ftricStly willed 
and required the Governor and Council here, to yield them 
their beft Aid and Afllftance, upon all Occafions, and in 
all Matters, wherein they fliould find Caufe to make Ufe 
of the fame. The three Ails of Council alfo, juft before 
recited, were committed to Mr. Pory^ and particularly the 
laft, to be publiflied in fuch Places in Virginia.^ as he fhould 
judge fit, for the Qiiieting and Satisfa6lion of the Inhabi- 
tants here. Captain Harvey indeed and Mr. Pory feem, to 
have been the moft active, and moft depended upon, in 
this Bufinefs ; and therefore Captain Smithy who had pro- 
bably never feen their Commiflion, and knew nothing of 
the others, only mentions two, as fent upon this Errand. 
As for Mr. Jefferfon.^ he never appeared in it, but feems 
all along a hearty Friend to the Company, and their prefent 
Conftitution and Government. Befides, he was prefent 
at their Courts in England., at fuch times, as were incon- 
fifi:ent with his profecuting that Commiflion in Virginia, 
And Captain Mattheivs exprefly joins with the General Af- 
fembly, in their Oppofite Representations to his Majefty, 
as will be hereafter related. 

Things being laid in this Train, foon after, on the 

loth of November^ Mr. Deputy-Treafurer Farrar^ and di- 

X 2 vers 



298 rhe History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

^^^3- vers others of the Company, were ferved with a Procefs of 
"^"^ ^'^"^ ^0 Warranto out of the King's Bench ; to fhew, by what 
^!^ ^''^""^ Authority, they claimed to be a Body corporate, and to 
vei-nor. "^^e and enjoy thole Liberties and rnvileges, which they 
did. The Company chearfully acknowledged this to be a 
fair and legal Manner of proceeding ; and they defired the 
Defendants, to take efpecial Care of the Bufinefs, as being 
the Company's Caufe, altho' profecuted in particular Names ; 
and as their Charter was called in Queftion by it, which, 
they conceived, was therefore to be pleaded. As for the 
Charge of this Suit (which, it was judged, would be very 
great) it was agreed, that it fhould be borne by the Com- 
pany's general Stock. Wherefore it was unanimoufly or- 
dered, that whatever Difburfements ftiould be made by the 
Defendants, or others, in the Procefs of the Suit (provi- 
ded, it were for the Company's Caufe and Defence, and 
not for Matters, that in the Iflue would fall upon particu- 
lar Perfons, or their Actions) they fhould all be duly re- 
paid, and made good by the Company. But the entertain- 
ing Counfel and Attornies was wholly left and entrufted to 
the Choice and Care of the Defendants. 

But for this Caufe, fince another Courfe had been taken 
to bring the Bufinefs to a legal Trial, by the Attorney Ge- 
neral's profecuting a ^uo Warranto againft the Company, 
they refufed, at their Quarter Court on the 19th of Novem- 
ber^ to enter into any Confideration about the Matter. But 
that Court, with a general Unanimity, (feven only diffent- 
ing) folemnly ratified and confirmed all the Proceedings of 
the former Courts, which had refufed to furrender up their 
Charters. And for the better Management of fo weighty an 
Affair, which would require often and ferious Confultation,' 
a Grand Committee was appointed, to dire6f: all Matters 
appertaining thereto ; and the Deputy had Authority given 
him, at all times to call them together, or fuch a Part of 
them, as he fliould think proper. And that the Company 
might be the better enabled to prepare their Proofs, and 
make good their Defence, a Petition was ordered to be de- 
livered to the Lords of the Privy Council, for reftoring their 
Books and Writings ; which had now, for fome time, been 
in theirs and the CommifTioners Hands. But Mr. Bing 
faid, let them make as many Petitions as they pleafe, they 
fliould as foon have an Halter, as have their Writings ; 
which gave fuch univerfal and jufl Offence, that Complaint 
was made thereof to the Lords of the Council. But I do 
not find, that any Right was done them, for fo atrocious 
an Infult and Affront on the Court, or that they ever af- 
terwards recovered their Records. 

But 



BookV. rbc History </ VIRGINIA. 299 

But foon after, on the 8th of December^ the more to 1623. 

perplex and difcourage the Company, and to opprefs thofe ' r^-^ 

private Members, who were Defendants in this Suit, Alder- ^"' ^''"'"^'^ 
man 'Johnfon^ with others of his Faction, prefented a ^^-^^l^^^^ 
tition to the Lords of the Privy Council, fignifying ; 
That they had always been, and ftill were ready, according 
to his Majefty's exprefs Will and Pleafure, to render up 
their Charters to his Majefty's Difpofal : But forafmuch as 
Mr. Nicholas Farrar^ and fome others, withftood the Sur- 
rendry, and the better to free themfelves from the Charge 
of the Suit, and to enable them to oppofe his Majefly, 
they had lately made an Order of their Court, that the 
Expence of defending that Caufe fhould be borne by the 
Company's publick Stock ; they therefore humbly prayed, 
that it might be ordered by their Lordfhips, that the Charge 
of thofe Suits fliould be borne by the Defendants them- 
felves, and no Part by the Company's publick Stock, nor 
by the Goods of any of the Adventurers or Planters, that 
fhewed themfelves conformable to his Majefty's Pleafure. 
And they further befought their Lordfliips, to order, for 
better Affurance in this Point, that all fuch Goods, as 
fliould thereafter be imported for the General Company, 
fhould be fequeftered in the Cuftom Houfe, till their Lord- 
fhips farther Order, for difpofmg thereof to the Ufe and 
Benefit of the Plantation. 

This laft Claufe was purpofely aimed and defigned, 
to deprive the Deputy and his Brother, with fome others, 
(to whom the Company had made over all fuch Goods, as 
Security for confiderable Sums of Money, now due to 
them) of ever having it in their Power, to get their faid 
Debts. Their Lordfhips therefore, being apprifed of this, 
would not concur witn the Alderman in a Defign, fo plain- 
ly fraudulent and iniquitous. However, they made an 
Order of their Board, that all they, who were queftioned 
by the ^10 Warranto^ fhould make their Defence, at their 
own private Charge, without any Help or Expence from 
the publick Stock ; and that fuch, as were willing to fur- 
render their Charters, fhould be difcharged from all Con- 
tribution towards the Expence of the faid Suit, both in 
their Perfons and Eftates. And this perhaps will be thought 
fufficiently hard and oppreflive. But however, confidering 
the noble Fortunes and generous Difpofitions of the Earl of 
Southampton and many others of the Company, who entire- 
ly agreed to, and abetted the Proceedings of the Courts 
and Deputy, the Expence was, in all Probability, made 
very eafy, and did not fall upon the Defendants fo heavi- 
ly, as was hereby defigned. And I cannot here forbear re- 
X 3 marking 



300 The History <?/ VIRGINIA. Book V. 

162.3. marking the Generofity and publick Spirit of the Deputy, 
^'"l — r^~^and other Merchants and Citizens. For the Noblemen, 
S,n Francis ^^^ Other Gentlemen of capital Fortune and Figure, were 
vernor. °" ^^^ returned out of the Country, when the ^uo War- 
ranto was ilFued ; fo that it was ferved entirely upon Mer- 
chants and Citizens, who neverthelefs bravely undertook 
the Defence of the Company, at the Rifk of their own 
Fortunes. And this was the more meritorious then, as 
the Rights of the Crown, and the Liberties of the Subject, 
were not fo well limited and underftood at that time, as 
they now are ; but the little Finger of Regal Power was 
fuppofed two heavy, for the Loins of any private Man to 
I bear. To which may be added, that A6ts of Power, at 
that Jun6lure, ran very high, and were plainly attempted 
to be carried ftill higher ; and the Deputy and Company 
had no Reafon to expe6l any Favour, but had found from 
manifold Experience, that all Advantages, even beyond 
what was fl:ri(3:ly fair and legal, would be taken againft them. 
I T will alfo doubtlefs feem ftrange to many Perfons, that 
the Privy Council fhould aflume to themfelves fuch a Ju- 
dicature, as thus arbitrarily to difpofe of Men's Fortunes, 
and load a few private Perfons with the Expence of defend- 
ing the publick Caufe of the Company, even againft the 
Company's Will and Defire. But to clear this Point, it 
muft be known, that the Privy Council of that time af- 
fumed a moft extraordinary Power and Jurifdi6lion, and 
were plainly drawing into their Hands all the Parts of Go- 
vernment ; or perhaps to fpeak more properly, the King, 
through them, was endeavouring to draw them into his 
own Hands. And this, as I take it, was the Occafion of 
a great and very dangerous Error in the Conftitution of this 
Colony. For as our Council was fettled and conftituted at 
the Time, that the Privy Council's Authority was (trained 
to fuch a Height, there was perhaps too great a Power af- 
figned to them. I fpeak freely, and I hope, without Of- 
fence ; for what I mean, is fmiply this. Our Council a6l 
in a double Capacity : Firft, as his Majeity's Council of 
State, from which all A6ts of Power and Government iffue ; 
and iecondly, as the fupreme Judicature of the Colony, 
and the laft Interpreters of Law. Now, if the Council 
fliould exert any A6t: of Power againft a Man, and he fliould 
appeal from it, the Caufe muft be brought before the fame 
Perfons again in the General Court, who would be natu- 
rally led to fupport their own A6t. But in England^ the 
Cafe is quite different. For fhould the Privy Council ex- 
ercife any A6t of Power upon the Subject there, he may 
appeal from them, to the Courts in IVeJiminJier-Hall \ 

where 



BookV. rZv History /?/ VIRGINIA. 301 

where the Caufe muft be determined by the Law, which is ^623. 

always impartial and unbialled. So that all A6ls of Power' v ' 

there, are expofed to an immediate and fevere Check from ^V; Fratuis 
the Law. And indeed this is the great Beauty and Strength y^^'^l\_ 
of all free Conftitutions of Government, to have all their 
Parts, but moft efpecially the higheft and moft dangerous 
to Liberty, continually under the Check and Coercion of 
the Law. But if we confider the many Infirmities of hu- 
man Nature and Contingencies of human Governments, 
the Charms and Allurements of Ambition and the ftrange 
grafping and infatiable Nature of Power, the natural Pride 
and Peremptorinefs of Men in Authority, their falfe Shame 
of owning themfelves in the Wrong, and Pronenefs to de- 
fend and perfift in their Errors, together with the natural 
and perpetual Conteft between Liberty and Power, this 
muft, I think, be acknowledged, to be a very great and 
material Defeat in our Conftitution. It is true, there are 
not perhaps any great Inconveniences felt from this at pre- 
fent, at leaft that I know of; which I fpeak not, with In- 
tent to flatter our prefent Government or Governors : For 
I flatter no Man. But however, altho' the Sword did not 
ailually fall upon the Sicilian Sycophant, yet no Perfon, I 
believe, would chufe to be in his Situation, and have a 
Sword perpetually hanging over his Head by a Hair. Who- 
ever therefore fhould contrive and efft6l an Alteration in 
this dangerous Point, he fliould have my Suffrage for a Sta- 
tue, or any other, the moft honourable, or molt beneficial 
Reward, for fo fignal a Service to the Country. But to 
return from this Digreffion. 

Besides the Petition, formerly recited. Alderman 
yohnfon^ being much galled by the Company's home An- 
fwers and Expofure of his and Sir Thomas Smith's Con- i 

du6t, drew up another Writing, under the Title of; y^ 
Declaration of the profperous E/iate of the Colony^ during 
Sir Thomas Smith's Time of Govermnent. In this, fubfcribed 
by himfelf, Sir Sajuuel Argall^ and Mr. Wrote^ he faid : 
That notwithftanding the many difaftrous Accidents, to 
which Enterprifes of that Nature, efpecially in their In- 
fancy, are fubje6l, yet it pleafed God, fo to blefs their La- 
bours and Endeavours, who were then employed, that in 
•the firft twelve Years, during all which Time Sir Thomas 
Smith was Treafurer and Governor of the Company, with 
the Expence of feventy thoufand Pounds, or thereabouts, 
brought in for the moft part by voluntary Adventurers, be- 
ing a great many of them Sir Thomas's near Friends and 
Relations, and for his Sake joining in the Bufinefs, and 
with the Help and Ufe of a very few of his Majefty's Sub- 
X 4 je^s, 



302 i:he History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

'623- jefts, and thofe moftly People of the meaneft Rank, a large 

^-^ — Y 'and very fpacious Part of the Country was fully difcover- 

%-IrGo^^'' ^^^ Coafts, Havens, Ports, Creeks, and Rivers thereof 
vernor. °' perfe6i:ly known ; the moft commodious Places of Strength, 
and for Conveniency of Habitation, felefted and made 
Choice of; thofe Places partly recovered, or procured from 
the Savages, and partly with infinite Labour, being gene- 
rally overfpread with Wood, cleared, enclofed, and culti- 
vated ; many Houfes, Barns, and Forts built ; Churches, 
Bridges, and Storehoufes, with all other publick and ne- 
ceffary Works, ere6led ; not lefs, as he judges, than a 
thoufand Engliflo^ when Sir Thomas Smith left the Govern- 
ment, being there inhabiting, with Plenty of Corn, Cattle, 
Swine, Poultry, and other good Provifions, to feed and 
nourifh them : That there was a competent Number of 
able and fufficient Minifters, to inftruft them ; worthy and 
expert Commanders, Captains, and Officers, to dire6l and 
govern them ; and Store of Arms and Ammunition, to de- 
fend them : That divers Staple Commodities, befides To- 
bacco, were found out, at the prefent to encourage, and 
in procefs of time to enrich them ; Barks, Pinnaces, Shal- 
lops, Barges, and Boats, built in the Country, the better 
to accommodate and fecure them : That the Natives were 
in fo awful a League and Amity with them, that many of 
thofe Heathens voluntarily yielded themfelves Subjefts and 
Servants to our moft gracious Sovereign ; and priding them- 
felves in that Title, paid, together with moft of the reft, a 
Yearly Contribution of Corn, for Suftentation of the Co- 
lony ; and they were kept in fuch good Refpe6l and Corre- 
fpondency, that they became mutually helpful and profita- 
ble, each to other : That to this Growth of Perfe6lion 
was that Plantation advanced, even in the firft twelve 
Years ; the Affairs thereof being, with great Unanimity, 
Moderation, Integrity, and Judgment, chiefly directed by 
Sir Thomas Smith ; and the Accompts of Monies, received 
and difburfed, being audited upon Oath, by Men of Credit 
and Reputation, without all Exception. 

The Commiffioners were ftill fitting; and the Com- 
pany, being wearied with long waiting for the Ifiiie of 
their Labours, appointed their Grand Committee, to prefs 
them to make fome Report to the Lords of the Council, 
what they had done in the feveral Affairs, brought before 
them by the Company and their Opponents. For they 
faid, they greatly depended, that the Fairnefs and Upright- 
nefs of their Proceedings would be thence manifefted to 
all the World. And they were likewife entreated, to re- 
quire Sir Thomas Smithy either to fhew fufficient Caufe, 

why 



Book.V. rhe History ^/VIRGINIA. 303 

why he fliould not pay the eight hundred Pounds, found i^^3- 

againft him on the firft two Heads of Exception againft his '^ — r ' 

Accounts ; or elfe, that he might be compelled to pay the ^'^ F'-^'icn 

r 1 /^ • Tsr r i\ /T JVyat, Go- 

fame, as the Company was now m great Want of Money, vernor. 

But I cannot difcover, that the Commiffioners, who were, 

properly fpeaking, a Committee of Secrecy, ever did any 

thing in either of thefe Points. 

Whilst Things were in this Pofture in England^ the 
Colony in Virginia had recovered a tolerably eafy and com- 
fortable State of their Affairs. Their Health, which had 
been much afFe6led by the Famine, and by the Hardfhips 
and Inconveniences, they underwent by being driven from 
their Habitations, was now well reftored ; and the Famine 
itfelf entirely relieved by a plentiful Crop of Corn. Having 
likewife, by pretending Peace and Friendfhip, come to the 
Knowledge of the Indians principal Places of Refidence, they 
had cut up and deftroyed their Corn, when it was too late 
for them to have another Crop ; and by a fuccefsful Attack, 
they had (lain a great Number of them, among whom were 
fome of their Kings, and feveral of their greateft War- 
Captains and Commanders ; of which Opechancanough was 
hoped to be one. For the Stratagem was chiefly aimed at 
him, and things, as they thought, fo well laid, that he 
could fcarce poflibly efcape the Snare. The Governor 
alfo went himfelf, this Year, in Perfon into Patowmack 
River, and took a full Revenge upon the Pafcoticons^ who 
had flain Captain Spilman ; putting many to the Sword, 
and burning their Houfes, with a prodigious Quantity of 
Corn, which they had conveyed into the Woods, and the 
EngliJJ) were not able to bring to their Boats. And he 
iflued Commiffions to Captain William Pierce^ Captain of 
his Guard and Lieutenant-Governor of "James-City^ to go 
againft the Chickahominies ; to Captain Nathaniel IVeJ}^ to 
go againft the Appamatocks and the Taux-Wyanokes \ to j 

Captain Samuel Mattheius^ againft the Taux-Poiuhatans ; j 

and to Captain William Tucker., Commander of Kicquotan and 
thofe lower Parts of the Country, to go againft the Nand- 
famonds and Warrafqueakes ; all which Parties fell upon 
them the very fame Day, the 23d of July^ with vaft Spoil 
to their Corn and Habitations, and no fmall Slaughter. 
And a Week after. Captain Maddifon marched againft the 
great Wyanokes^ and Captain Tucker made a fecond Expedi- 
tion to Nandfamond. 

But in the Midft of thefe Tumults and Alarms, the 
Mufes were not filent. For at this time, Mr. George San- 
dys^ the Company's Treafurer of Virginia., made his Tranf- 
lation of Ovid's Metamorphofes., a very laudable Performance 
^■'- for 



304 The History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1623. for the Times. In his Dedication of that Piece to King 
^~"^Y -" Charles I. he tells him, that it was hmned by that imper- 
S,\r Francis ^^Q_ Light, which was fnatched from the Hours of Night 
vemor. "' ^^^ Repofe. For the Day was not his own, but dedicated 

to the Service of his Father and himfelf ; and had that Ser- 
vice proved as fortunate, as it was faithful, in him, as well 
as others more worthy, they had hoped, before the Revo- 
lution of many Years, to have prefented his Majefty with 
a rich and well-peopled Kingdom. But as things had turn- 
ed, he had only been able to bring from thence himfelf 
and that Compofition, which needed more than a fingle 
Denization. For it was doubly a Stranger, being fprung 
from an ancient Roman Stock, and bred up in the new 
World, of the Rudenefs whereof it could not but partici- 
pate ; efpecially as it was produced among Wars and Tu- 
mults ; inftead of under the kindly and peaceful Influences 
of the Mufes. 

1624. The Beginning of the next Year 1624, Captain Har- 
vey and Mr. Pory arrived, as Commiflioners from the Privy 
Council ; and the 26th of January^ Warrants were ifilied 
for fummoning a General Aflembly. However this Aflem- 
bly was not called, at the Commiflioners Motion or Re- 
queft. For they kept their Commiflion fecret from the 
Colony, and did every thing, they could, to conceal their 
Powers and Defigns. The King alfo and the Privy Council 
had, the laft Year, given very ftriil and menacing Orders 
to the Company, and to all private Adventurers, to write 
nothing to Virginia^ concerning the Differences, then fub- 
fifting among them ; becaufe, as they faid, it would give 
great Difcouragement to the Planters, and bring Prejudice 
to the Colony. To this End, the Privy Council had often 
perufed, and angrily returned, the Company's general Let- 
ters, before they could be formed entirely to their Liking \ 
and they had taken all Methods, to intercept and prevent 
any Accounts going from private Hands. But notwith- 
ftanding thefe Precautions, the Colony was, by this time, 
well informed, of what had paffed in England; and Copies 
of the feveral Writings had been fent over to them efpe- 
cially of Alderman 'Johnfon^'s, Declaration of the profperous 
Eftate of the Colony, during Sir Thomas S?nith's Govern- 
ment, and of Captain Butler\ Information to his Majefty. 
For thofe Papers related more particularly to them, as be- 
ing upon the Spot, and therefore the beft Judges of the 
Truth or Falfliood of the feveral Matters, therein alledged. 
Wherefore, when the General Aflembly met, which was 
the 14th of February^ the firft thing, they entered upon, 
was the Confideration of thofe two Pieces ; and by the 20th 

of 



Book V. Tbe History of VIRGINIA. 305 

of the fame Month, they had drawn up Anfwers to them. 1624. 
Their Anfwer to the Alderman's Declaration fet forth : "^ v ' 

That holding it a Sin againft God and their own Suf-^'L ^''''"'" 
ferings, to permit the World to be abufed with falfe Reports, yerifor. 
and to give to Vice the Reward of Virtue, They, in the 
Name of the whole Colony of Firginia^ in their General 
Aflemblv met, many of them having been Eye-witnefles 
and Sufferers in thofe Times, had framed, out of their 
Duty to the Country, and Love to Truth, the following 
Anfwer to the Praifes given to Sir Thomas Smith's Govern- 
ment, in the faid Declaration. 

They averred, that, in thofe twelve Years of Sir Tho- 
mas S?mth's Government, the Colony for the moft part, 
remained in great Want and Mifery, under moft fevere 
and cruel Laws, which were fent over in Print, and were 
contrary to the exprefs Letter of the King's moft gracious 
Charters, and as mercilefly executed here, oftentimes with- 
out Trial or Judgment : That the Allowance for a Man, 
in thofe Times, was only eight Ounces of Meal and half a 
Pint of Peafe a Day, both the one and the other being 
moldy, rotten, full of Cobwebbs and Maggots, loathfome 
to Man, and not fit for Beafts ; which forced many to fly 
to the Savage Enemy for Relief, who, being again taken, 
were put to fundrv Kinds of Death, by hanging, fhooting, 
breaking upon the Wheel, and the like : That others were 
forced, by Famine, to filch for their Bellies ; of whom one, 
for ftealing two or three Pints of Oatmeal, had a Bodkin 
thruft through his Tongue, and was chained to a Tree, 
till he ftarved : That if a Man, through Sicknefs, had not 
been able to work, he had no Allowance at all, and fo con- 
fequently periflied : That many through thefe Extremi- 
ties, dug Holes in the Earth, and there hid themfelves, till 
they famifhed : That they could not, for thofe their Mife- 
ries, blame their Commanders here ; for their Suftenance 
was to come from Englafid^ and had they given them bet- 
ter Allowance, they muft have periflied in general : That 
their Scarcity fometimes was fo lamentable, that they were 
conftrained to eat Dogs, Cats, Rats, Snakes, Toadftools, 
Horfe-hides, and what not ? That one Man, out of the 
Mifery he endured, killed his Wife, and powdered her up 
to eat ; for which he was burnt : That many others fed 
on the Corpfes of dead Men ; and that one, who, through 
Cuftom, had got an infatiable Appetite to that Food, could 
not be reftrained, till he was executed for it : And that, 
indeed, fo miferable was their State, that the happieft 
Day, many ever hoped to fee, was, when the Indians 
had killed a Mare ; the People wifliing, as fhe was boil- 



3o6 The History ^/VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1624. jjig^ thjjt Sir Thomas Smith was upon her Back in the 

'^'-^^ 'Kettle. 

/rw? Go" ^^^ whereas it was affirmed, that very hw of his Ma- 

vernor. jefty's Subjc^ls were loft in thole Days, and thofe Perfons 
of the meaneft Rank, they replied ; that for one, that then 
di'ed, five had periflied in Sir Thoftias Smith's Times, many 
being of ancient Houfes, and born to Eftates of a thoufand 
Pounds a Year, fome more, fome lefs, who likewife perifli- 
ed by Famine : That thofe, who furvived, and had in Ven- 
tures both their Eftates and Perfons, were conftrained to 
ferve the Colony feven or eight Years for their Freedom, 
and underwent as hard and as fervile Labour, as the bafeft 
Fellow, that was brought out of Newgate: As for Dif- 
covery, they owned, that much had been difcovered in 
thofe twelve Years, but in the four or five laft Years, much 
more than formerly : That the Houfes and Churches, then 
built, were fo mean and poor by reafon of thefe Calamities, 
that they could not ftand above one or two Years ; the 
People going to work indeed, but out of the Bitternefs of 
their Spirits, breathing execrable Curfes upon Sir Tho?nas 
Smith ; neither could a Bleffing from God be hoped for in 
thofe Buildings, which were founded upon the Blood of fo 
many Chrijiians : That the Towns were only James-City^ 
Henrico^ Charles Hundred^ Weji and Shirley Hundred^ and 
Kicquotan ; all which were ruined in thofe Times, except 
ten or twelve Houfes in James-Town : That at that Prefent, 
there were four for every one then, and forty times ex- 
ceeding them in Goodnefs : That Fortifications there were 
none againft a foreign Enemy, and thofe againft the do- 
meftick Foe very few and contemptible : That there was 
only one Bridge, which alfo decayed in that time : That 
if, through the aforefaid Calamities, many had not perifli- 
ed, there would doubtlefs have been largely above a thou- 
fand People in the Country, when Sir Thomas Smith left 
the Government ; but they conceived, when Sir George 
Teardley arrived Governor, he found not above four hun- 
dred, moft of them in Want of Corn, and utterly defti- 
tute of Cattle, Swine, Poultry, and other neceftary Provi- 
fions to nourifli them : That there were fome Minifters to 
inftru6l the People, whofe Ability they would not tax, but 
divers of them had no Orders : That they were never over 
furniflied with Arms, Powder and Ammunition ; yet that 
in Quality almoft entirely ufelefs : They acknowledge, 
that in thofe times a Trial was made of divers Staple Com- 
modities, which they had not Means to proceed in ; but 
they hoped, in time a better Progrefs would be made there- 
in, and had it not been for the Maflacre, many by that 

time 




Book V. The History of VIRGINIA. 

time would have been brought to Perfeilion : That for 
Boats, there was only one ferviceable one left in the Colo- 
ny, at the End of that Government; for which one, be- ^^^''''^^j^ 
fides four or live Ships and Barks, there were not then fo vemJr. 
few as forty : That the Barks and Barges, then built, were 
in Number fo few, and fo unwillingly and weakly by the 
People effedled, that in the fame time they perifhed : That 
they never knew, that the Natives did voluntarily yield 
themfelves Subjects to the King, took any Pride in that 
Title, or paid any Contribution of Corn towards the Sup- 
port of the Colony ; neither could they, at any time, keep 
them in fuch good Correfpondency, as to become mutually 
helpful to each other ; but contrariwife, whatever was done, 
proceeded from Fear, and not Love, and their Corn was 
got by Trade or the Sword. 

And now, to what a Growth of Perfedion the Colony 
could arrive at the End of thofe twelve Years, they left to 
be judged, by what had been faid ; and they befought his 
Majefty, rather than be reduced to live under the like Go- 
vernment again, that he would fend Commiffioners over to 
hang them. As to Alderman Johnfon^ one of the Authors 
of that Declaration, they faid, he had great Reafon to com- 
mend Sir Thomas Smithy to whofe Offences and Infamy he 
was fo infeparably linked. And all this they affirmed to be 
true by the general Report of the Country, which they 
never heard contradicted ; many of them alfo having been 
Eye-Witneffes, or elfe refident in the_ Country, when every 
Particular here reported, happened. 

This Declaration was figned by Sir Francis Wyat^ the 
Governor ; by George Sandys^ John Pot^ "John Pountis^ Ro- 
ger Smithy and Ralph Hamer^ Efqrs. of the Council ; and 
by William Tucker^ William Pierce^ Ralegh Crojhaw^ Sa- 
muel Matthews^ Jabez Whitaker^ and others, to the Num- 
ber of twenty four, of the Houfe of Burgeffes. And this, 
I judge (or the Number of twenty five, which fubicribed 
the Anfwer to Captain Butler's Information) was nearly 
about the full Number of the Houfe of Burgefles at that 
time. For there were, three Years before, eleven Boroughs 
which had Right to fend Members to the Affembly ; and 
there might be, and undoubtedly were, a few others fince 
added to them. Their Anfwer to Captain Btitler's Infor- 
mation, ran in the following Manner. 

Moft gracious Sovereign, 

WHEREAS a Copy of an Information^ prefented 
to Tour Majejly by Captain Nathaniel Butler, en- 
titled^ The Unmafking of Virginia^ is come to our Hands \ 

and 



3o8 The History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1624- and whereas the fame is full of notorious Slanders and Faljhoods^ 
^-^"^-y^^^ proceeding from the Malice of his corrupt Hearty and abetted 
Sir Francis by private Entnity and publick Divifon^ which aim at the Sa- 
Wyat, Go- li^j-a£iion of their particular Spleen^ altho" it be to the Subver- 
fion of this whole Colony ; Wee^ the Governor^ Council^ and 
Colony ^Virginia, in our General Affembly^ out of Zeal and 
RefpeSi to Tour Majejiy and this our Country^ not to fuffer 
Your fa ere d Ears to be prophaned with falfe Suggejiions^ nor 
Tour Royal Thoughts to be diverted from fo hopeful a Plan- 
tation^ which may add in time a principal Flower to Tour 
Diadem^ do^ in all Hu?nblenefs^ fubmit this our Anfwer to 
Tour Princely Survey^ annexed to the fever al Untruths of the 
faid Informer. 

1. I found the Plantations generally feated, iffc. * 
The Plantations, for the moft Part, are high and plea- 

fantly feated ; and the reft not low, nor infefted with Mar- 
fhes, which, we wifh, were more frequent. The Creeks 
are rather ufeful, than noifome ; and no Bogs have been 
feen here by any, that have lived twice as many Years, as 
he did Weeks, in the Country ; the Places which he fo 
mifcalls, being the richeft Parts of the Earth, if we had a 
fufficient Force to clear their Woods, and to give the frefli 
Springs, which run through them, a free PafTage. The 
Soil is generally rich, and reftores our Truft with Abun- 
dance ; the Air is fweet, and the Clime healthful, all Cir- 
cumftances confidered, to Men of found Bodies and good 
Government. 

2. I found the Shores, ^c 

In this he traduceth one of the goodlieft Rivers in the 
habitable World, which runs for many Miles together within 
upright Banks, till at length, enlarged with the Receipt of 
others, it beats on a fandy Shore, and imitates the Sea in 
Greatnefs and Majefty. It is approachable on both Sides, 
from half Flood to half Ebb, for Boats of good Burthen ; 
neither is there any River in the World of this Vaftnefs, 
without Cranes or Wharfs, more commodious for landing. 
And it is equally contrary to Truth, that by wading we 
get violent Surfeits of Cold, which never leave us, till we 
are brought to our Graves. 

3. The new People, fent over, arriving for the moft 
Part, ^c. 

We affirm, that the Winter is the only proper time for 
the Arrival of new Comers ; whereof the Governor and 
Council have often, by their Letters, informed the Com- 

* yidi Captain Butlcr\ Information, p. 268. 

pany ; 



Book V. "The History of VIRGINIA. 309 

pany ; and the like Advice has been given to their Corref- 1624. 

pondents, from time to time, by private Planters, for their'' ■, ' 

Supply of Servants. As to Houfes of Entertainment, there ^"^ P'''^"<^>^ 
was a general Subfcription, amounting to an unexpe6ted yj^^l 
Sum, and Workmen actually employed, to build a fair Inn 
in fames City, and every principal Plantation had refolved 
on the like, for the Entertainment of their new Supplies ; 
when it pleafed God, to punifli our Crimes by the bloody 
Hands of the India?is^ which obliged us to divert that Care 
to the Houfing ourfelves, many of us having been unfur- 
nifhed by that Difafter. But Buildings of late have every 
where encreafed exceedingly ; neither have new Comers any 
Reafon to complain, when every Man's Houfe is, without 
Recompence, open to the Stranger, even to the difaccom- 
modating ourfelves. So that we may with Modefty boaft, 
that no People in the World do exercife the like Hofpita- 
lity. As for dying under Hedges (whereof there are none 
in Virginia) or lying unburied in the Woods, by reafon of 
this Defe6t, it is utterly falfe. However, if fuch things 
fhould fometimes be feen accidentally here, the like may, 
and often doth happen, in the moft flourifhing Countries of 
Europe. 

. 4. The Colony was, this Winter, in great Diflrefs, ^r. 
The Colony, that Winter, was in no Diftrefs of Vic- 
tual, as the Accufer well knoweth. For he bought Corn 
himfelf for eight Shillings a Bufhel, cheaper, as we hear, 
than it was then fold in England. It is true, a fucceeding 
Scarcity was feared. But what lefs could be expe6led, after 
fuch a Maflacre ; when near half the Colony were driven 
from their Habitations in time of planting, others ftreigh- 
tened in their Ground by receiving them, and all interrupted 
in their Bufinefs by fupporting a fudden War ? Englijh 
Meal fold, as he affirmeth, at thirty Shillings the Bulhel, 
was only fold for ten Pounds of Tobacco ; for which, in 
truck, we ordinarily receive under twelve Pence a Pound, 
real Value. And it is not to be fuppofed, that any of the 
Great fliould affecSl Scarcity, in order to enrich themfelves 
by Trade. For Trade hath ever been free for us all ; nei- 
ther have they, who have brought in moft Corn, fold it 
out at unconfcionable Rates, but have often freely imparted 
it to the Neceffity of others, without any other Advantage 
than Repayment. We agree with that Prime-one, who 
wiflied, that Corn might never be under eight Shillings a 
Bufliel ; meaning in Tobacco at three Shillings a Pound. 
For fo there would be fome Proportion between the Profit 
of making the one and the other, and Corn would thereby 
be planted in greater Abundance. 

5. Their 




Thf History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

5. Their Houfes are generally the worft, dffc. 
Our Houfes, for the moft Part, are rather built for 
Sir Francis ufe than Ornament : vet not a kw for both, and fit to give 

fFvat, Go- T- • A/r r 2 r\ v ic ■ 

vernor. Entertainment to Men 01 good (^ality. It we may give 
Credit to thofe, who are accounted the moft faithful Re- 
laters of the Weft-Indies^ many Cities of great Rumour 
there, after threefcore Years Progrefs, are not to be com- 
pared in their Buildings to ours. And fo far are they from 
the meaneft Cottages in England^ that many Towns there 
have hardly one Houfe in them, which exceedeth ours in 
Conveniency or Stru6lure. . The greateft Difparagement, 
that fome of them received, proceeded from his Riots and 
lafcivious Filthinefs with lewd Women, purchafed with Ri- 
als of Eight and Wedges of Gold, the Spoils of the dif- 
treffed Spaniards in Bermudas ; which, as we are informed 
by a Gentleman of good Credit, who cafually furveyed his 
Inventory, did, with other Treafure, amount to divers 
Thoufands. As for the Interpofition of Creeks, which 
Men are moft defirous to feat upon, where we cannot go 
by Land, we have Boats and Canoes, for our fudden Tranf- 
port on any Occafion. 

6. I found not the leaft Piece of Fortification, ^c. 

We have, as yet, no Fortifications againft a foreign E- 
nemy, altho' it hath been endeavoured by the Company, 
with a Succefs unanfwerable to their Care and Expence ; 
as alfo lately by ourfelves. But the Work, being inter- 
rupted by the Scarcity of laft Summer, fhall proceed again, 
God willing, with all convenient Expedition ; and almoft 
all our Houfes are fufficiently fortified againft the Indians^ 
with ftrong Palifadoes. His Envy would not let him num- 
ber truly the Ordinance at 'James City ; four Demi-Culve- 
rins being there mounted, and all ferviceable. At Flower- 
de-Hundred^ he makes but one of fix ; neither was he ever 
there, but, according to his Cuftom, reporteth the unfeen 
as feen. The fame Envy would not let him fee the three 
Pieces at Newport' %-News^ and thofe two at Elifabeth-City. 
Two great Pieces there are at Charles Hundred^ and feven 
at Henrico. Befides which, feveral private Planters have 
fince furnifhed themfelves with Ordinance. So that it were 
a defperate Enterprife, and unlikely to be attempted by a 
Man of his Spirit, to beat down our Houfes about our Ears, 
with a Bark of that Burthen. 

7. Expecting, according to their printed Books, ^c. 
The time that this Informer came over, was in the 

Winter, after the Maflacre ; when thofe Wounds were 
green, and the Earth deprived of her Beauty. His Ears 
were open to nothing but Detraction, and he only enquired 

after 



Book. V. 'The History of VIRGINIA. 

after the Factious, of which there were none among us, 
and how he might gather Accufations againft thofe in the ' 
Government, being, as it fhould feem, fent over for that ^'^^'^^""' 
Purpofe. Otherwife he could not but hear of our ¥xoc\z- ^.J^^^^ 
mations for the Advancement of Staple Commodities, and 
with what Alacrity and Succefs they proceeded ; Vines and 
Mulberry Trees being planted throughout the whole Coun- 
try, the Iron-Works in great Forwardnefs and fliortly to 
receive Perfection, and the Glafs- Works laboured after with 
all poflible Care, till the Slaughter by the Indians^ and the 
fucceeding Mortality, gave a Ruin to fome, and Interrup- 
tion to all. So that he hath nothing but our Misfortunes 
to accufe and upbraid us with ; which have obliged us, ftill 
to follow that contemptible Weed, as well to fuftain the 
War, as to enable us again to ere6l thofe Works. As for 
deriding the Books, that were fent over by the Company, 
it was done by himfelf, and no other, that we know of. 

8. I found the ancient Plantations of He?irico^ iffc. 
Still he abufeth your Majefty with thefe Words, / 

found^ in Places, where he never was by fome Score of 
Miles ; having never been higher up the River, than the 
Territories of James City. Henrico was quitted in Sir Tho- 
7nas Smith's Time, only the Church and one Houfe remain- 
ing. Charles City., fo much fpoken of, never had but fix 
Houfes. The Soil of both is barren, worn out, and not 
fit for Culture. The Lofs of our Stocks the Informer 
hath lefs Reafon to urge. For he joined with the Indians 
in killing our Cattle, and carried the Beef aboard his Ship ; 
which would have coft him his Life, if he had had his De- 
ferts. 

9. Whereas according to his Majefty's gracious, b'c. 
The Governor and Council, whom it only concerned, 

replied to this ; that they had followed the Laws and Cuf- 
toms of England to their utmoft Skill ; neither could he, 
or any other, produce any Particular, wherein they had 
failed. As to their Ignorance, they held him to be no 
competent Judge of thofe, who fo far tranfcended him in 
Point of Learning and Ability. For he had never been 
bred to the Law (as was not unknown to fome of them) 
nor yet in any other of the liberal Sciences. But his prin- 
cipal Spleen in this Article, appeared to proceed from his 
not being admitted of the Council, which they could by 
no means, confidently with their Infl:ru61:ions, do. 

10. There having been, as it is thought, ten thou- 
fand, ^c. 

His Computation of ten thoufand Souls falleth fhort of 

four thoufand ; and thofe were, in great part, wafted by 

*^ Y the 



312 The History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

'6^4- the more than Egyptian Slavery and Scythian Cruelty, which 
""^ 1 -^ was exercifed on us, your poor and miferable Subjedls, by 
% ^rSo- ^^^^ written in Blood, and executed with all Sorts of Ty- 
vernor. ranny, in the Time of Sir Thomas Smith's Government ; 
whereof we fend your Majefty the true and tragical Rela- 
tion, from which it will plainly appear, that the pretended 
Confufions and private Ends will ftrongly reflect upon him 
and his Inftru6lors. And how unfit fuch Men are, to re- 
ftore that Plantation, which fufFered fo much under their 
Government, we humbly refer to your princely Confidera- 
tion ; invoking, with him, that divine and fupreme Hand, 
to protect us from fuch Governors and their Minifters, 
who have poured out our Blood on the Earth like Water, 
and have fatted themfelves with our Famine. And we be- 
feech your Majefty, to fupport us in this juft and gentle 
Authority, which has cheriftied us of late by more worthy 
Magiftrates ; and We, our Wives, and poor Children, as 
is our Duty, fhall ever pray to God, to give you in this 
World all Increafe of Happinefs, and to crown you in the 
World to come, with immortal Glory. 

This Anfwer was fubfcribed by the fame Perfons as 
the former ; only with the Addition of the Honourable 
Francis IVefl^ Brother to the late, and Uncle to the then 
hord Delaiuarr, and Sir George Teardley, of the Council, 
and of one more Member of the Houfe of BurgefTes. Mr. 
John Pountis alfo, one of the Council of State, was appoint- 
ed to go to England^ to foUicite the general Caufe of the 
Colony (for fo they call it) ; and four Pounds of Tobacco 
was levied upon every Male Tithable, that had been a Year 
in the Country, to fupport his Expences. But this Gen- 
tleman, in his Voyage home, died upon the Coaft of En- 
gland-^ and was therefore able to do nothing in the Affair. 
But to thefe, the General Affembly added two other Wri- 
tings ; the one a Petition to the King, and the other a Let- 
ter to the Lords of the Privy Council. 

In their Petition to the King, they declared their great 
Joy and Satisfaction, that his Majefty, notwithftanding the 
late unjuft Difparagement of this Plantation, had taken it 
into his nearer and more efpecial Care. And that his Royal 
Intentions might have their due Efte6l, they humbly be- 
fought him, being urged thereto by their Duty and Expe- 
rience, to give no Credit to the late Declarations of the 
happy, as it was called, but in Truth, miferable Eftate of 
the Colony, during the firft twelve Years, nor to the ma- 
licious Imputations, which had been laid on the Govern- 
ment of late ; but that he would be pleafed to behold, in 

Miniature. 



Book V. TZv History of VIRGINIA. 313 

Miniature, the true Eftate of both Times by their Rela- ^624. 

tions, which they then prefented by the Hands of Mr. "Johri ^.^ ' 

Pountis^ a worthy Member of their Body ; and which con-^'"" ^''^'•"'^ 
tained nothing but the Truth, without Difaftedion or Par-^^'^J^' ^°" 
tiahty. From thefe they doubted not, but that his Ma- 
jefty would clearly underftand the true Condition of both 
Times ; and would be pleafed, according to their earneft 
Defire, to continue, and even farther confirm, the Govern- 
ment, under which they then lived. But if it fliould pleafe 
him otherwife to determine, they befought him, by all the 
Ties of Compaflion and Humanity, not to fuffer them, his 
poor Subjects, to fall again into the Hands of Sir TImnas 
Smithy or his Confidents ; but that he would gracioufly 
prote<5t them from thofe Storms of Faction, which threa- 
tened the Ruin of fome Perfons (whofe Endeavours had 
deferved a better Reward) and in general the Subverfion of 
the whole Colony. And if the Government muft be al- 
tered, they defired, fince the A6lion was of fuch Honour 
and Confequence, that they might ftill depend upon fuch 
great and noble Perfons, as they lately had done. And far- 
ther, in Confideration of the late Maffacre and fubfequent 
Calamities, they befought his Majefty, to grant them and 
the Somer-Ijlands the fole Importation of Tobacco ; afluring 
him, that they affected not that contemptible Weed, as a 
thing good and defirable in itfelf, but as a prefent Means of 
Support. And if it fhould pleafe his Majefty, to fend over 
that Aid of Soldiers, whereof they had been put in Hopes, 
or any other Afliftance, they humbly defired, that the Go- 
vernor and General Aflembly might have a Voice in their 
Difpofal ; fince none at that Diftance, by reafon of Acci- 
dents and emergent Occafions, could dire6t fuch an Affair 
fo advantageoufly, as they were enabled to do, by their 
Prefence and Experience in the Country. 

In their Letter to the Privy Council, they acknowledged 
the Receipt of feveral of theirs, and returned their Thanks 
to his Majefty for his princely Care of the Colony ; parti- 
cularly for remitting three Pence a Pound in the Cuftom of 
Tobacco, and for his gracious Intention to grant them a 
fole Importation, than which nothing could give greater 
Life, or a more fpeedy Advancement, to the Colony. For 
little or nothing could be expelled from Poverty, to which 
the mean Prices of Tobacco, and great Expence of the 
War againft the Indians^ had reduced them. Neither had 
they, in their prefent State, the Means to fortify them- 
felves, or to fet up Staple Commodities, which would re- 
quiie a long Expeftation of Profit ; the Fruit of their La- 
bours at prefent amounting to no more, if fo much, as 
Y 2 would 



314 77:'^ History of VIRGINIA. Book V, 

1624. would barely feed and cloath them. They therefore hum- 

' r 'bly entreated their Lordfhips, to be a Means to his Ma- 

^ FratKii-^^i^y jQ confirm his gracious Intention ; and to take into 

vemor. °' their Confideration the heavy Burthen, of paying for Cuf- 

tom above a Third of their Labour ; which, they defired, 

might be reduced to five per Cent, according to the exprefs 

Tenor of their original Charters. 

They further told their Lordfhips, that they underftood 
by their Letters, that they had been accufed by one, who 
went from hence, of Negle6l in Fortifications, in building 
Houfes, and in providing themfelves Suftenance ; but they 
protefted againft his Relation, which was, as in other things, 
fo in this, moft falfe and flanderous. They had, in due 
Submiflion, publifhed their Orders, fent over by Mr. Pory ; 
by which they underftood his Majefty's Intention, to change 
the Government, They profeiTed themfelves ignorant of 
the Dangers and Ruin, that threatened them from the Go- 
vernment, as it then ftood ; and declared, they had no- 
thing to accufe thofe Gentlemen of, who had Iwayed their 
Affairs, fince the Expiration of Sir Thomas Smith's Autho- 
rity ; their Slavery having fince been converted into Free- 
dom, and the Colony cherifhed under a juft and moderate 
Government. Neither would they have been fubje£l to 
Cenfure, had not the bitter Effe6ts of the Maffacre clouded 
the Company's Zeal and their Endeavours. 

But however it might pleafe his Majefty to difpofe of 
them, it was their humble Defire, that the Governors, 
fent over, might not have abfolute Authority, but might 
be reftrained to the Confent of the Council ; which Title, 
they defired, might ftill be retained to the Honour of the 
Colony, and not converted to the Name of Affiftants, as 
was propofed in an Order of their Board. They faid, they 
had found fome Inconveniencies, by the ftri<5l Limitations 
of the Governor and Council, to proceed according to their 
Inftrudlions out of England. For in fo far a Diftance, and 
imperfect Knowledge of the Country, thofe things might 
feem good in Advice, which might happen to prove very 
inconvenient in Execution ; neither was it fit, that any main 
Projeft fhould be fet on Foot, which had not firft Appro- 
bation from hence. They conceived, the prefent fhort 
Continuance of Governors to be very difadvantageous to the 
Colony. The firft Year, they were raw and unexperien- 
ced in the Country, and for the moft part in ill Difpofition 
of Health, through the Change of Climate ; the fecond, 
they began to underftand fomething of the Affairs of the 
Colony ; and the third, they were providing to return. But 
above all, they made it their moft humble Requeft to their 

Lordfliips, 



BooK V. 'The History of VIRGINIA. 315 

Lordfhi^, that they might ftill retain the Liberty of their '624. 
General Aflemblies ; than which nothing could more con- 



duce, to the publick Satisfaaion, and publick Utility. ^'^ ^''''"''' 

' ' - -'- -'- - _•'- fryat, Go- 

vernor 



These two were figned by almoft the fame Perfons as 
the former ; and I cannot but obferve, to the immortal 
Honour of Sir Francis Wyat^ that he was fo far from de- 
firing the Tyranny of an abfolute Authority, that he was 
moft ftrenuous and a(5tive, and joined very cordially in all 
thefe Petitions and Reprefentations, for reftraining the ex- 
orbitant Power of Governors. All thefe things were car- 
ried, in the Affembly, with the utmoft Unanimity and Dif- 
patch ; and they were kept fecret from the Commiflioners, 
whom they found to be in other Interefts, and to have quite 
different Views from themfelves. For, having at firft pro- 
mifed to communicate all their Reprefentations and Papers 
to the Governor and Affembly, expecting the like Favour 
from them, they afterwards ftood off, and indeed abfolutely 
refufed to let them know any thing they were doing ; un- 
der Pretence, that the Lords of the Privy Council ought 
to have the firft View of what they intended to prefent. 
Whereupon the Governor and Affembly, fufpe£ting fome 
finifter Defigns, endeavoured to conceal from the Commif- 
fioners what was pailing among them. But Mr. Pory^ a 
Tool of Power, and verfed in Corruption, by the Promife 
of a Reward, obtained Copies of all thefe Writings from 
Edward Sharpies^ Clerk of the Council ; and altho' Captain 
Harvey had no Hand in corrupting him, he afterwards pro- 
mifed him fifty Pounds of Tobacco, in Reward of his Trea- 
chery. This Sharpies had been entertained, by the late Mr. 
Secretary Davidfon^ as a Writer in his Office ; and after 
the Secretary's Death, which happened towards the laft of 
the former Year, he was admitted, far above his Condition 
and Defert, Clerk of the Council, and took an Oath (a 
Copy whereof is ftill extant in our Records) to deliver no 
Copies of any Papers or Writings, without the Governor's 
Leave. Wherefore I find, at a Court held the loth oi May 
following, as it appeared by fufficient Evidence, and by his 
own Confeffion, that he, being fworn Clerk of the Council 
of State, had betrayed their Councils to the Commiflioners, 
he was fentenced to ftand in the Pillory, and there to have 
his Ears nailed to it, and cut off. However, he was only 
juft fet on the Pillory, and loft a Piece of one of his Ears. 
A Letter was alfo fent by the Governor and Council to the 
Company, to inform them of his Crime and his Puniftiment ; 
and to complain of Mr. Pory's Subornation of him, that 
they, underftanding his double Dealing, might thence be 
upon their Guard, and prevent his corrupt Practices. But 
Y 3 it 



3i6 The History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1624. it was now too late for the Company to do any thing in it. 

*'';'^ V 'For fuch a mean and proftitute Inftrument of their Aims 

S,\r Francis ^^^ Dcfigns, as Porj, had long before this more Power and 

vernor. °" I'lterefl: at Court, and was likely to be more regarded, 

than all the noble, -great, and worthy Members of the 

Company. 

But the Commiflioners, finding, that things were go- 
ing in the Affembly quite contrary to their Hopes and De- 
fires, refolved to lay fome of their Powers before them, 
which might probably intimidate and influence them, and 
^, reftrain them from proceeding with fo much Sharpnefs and 

\ Vigor. They therefore opened fome Part of their Com- 

\ million to the Afi'embly, on the 24th of February. A 

Week after, they wrote them a Letter, importing : That 
they fuppofed, in a Week's Time, fince their publifliing 
the Orders of the Lords of the Privy Council, the Aflem- 
bly could not but have maturely confidered the fame : 
That therefore, for the fpeedier Advancement of the Colo- 
ny in general, and for the fecuring every Man's Intereft in 
particular ; and that they might all, by SubmiUion and 
Thankfulnefs, as by Obedience and Sacrifice both together, 
ingratiate themfelves and their common Caufe to his Maje- 
fty's renowned Clemency, They, as Remembrancers, 
thought it no lefs than their Duty, to propofe to their Con- 
fideration the Form enclofed ; which, they hoped, they 
would apprehend very fit to be fubfcribed by the whole 
Aflembly, it being no other, than what they themfelves 
would, moft readily, and moft humbly, fet their Hands 
unto. The Form propofed was, as follows. 

1 ll/HE RE AS we underjiand by three A6ls of Council in 

\ England, lately publijhed in this General Affembly., that 

his Majejiy hath fignified his gracious Pleafure^ for the uni- 
verfal Good of this Plantation, which by reafon of our late 
Calamities is in an unfettled State., to iiifitute another Form 
of Government., whereby the Colony may be upheld., and prof- 
per the better in time to come., and to that End hath required 
a Surrendry of the prefent Patents, declaring his Royal In- 
tention, to fecure to the particular Members of the Company 
fuch Lands and Privileges in the f aid Country, as, according 
to the Proportion of each Man's Adventure and private In- 
terefi, /hall be found due unto him ; We of this General Af- 
fe?nbly do, by Siihfcription of our Names, not only profefs and 
tejiify our Thanfulnefs, for that his Majejiy'' s moji gracious 
and tender Care over us, hut do moreover, for our Parts, in 
all Humility and Willingnefs, fubmit ourfelves to his princely 
Pleafure, of revoking our old Charters, and of vouchfafing his 



Book V. -r/v History of VIRGINIA. 317 

new Letters-patent^ to thofe noble Ends and Purpofes^ above- '62.4. 
mentioned. ^—^^y—-^ 

Sir Francis 

Thus to draw the General Affembly to furrender ^^'^^ y^-'cnor. 
petition for a Revocation of their Charters, which the 
Courts in England would by no means fubmit to, was cer- 
tainly a very crafty and efte6lual Way, to difgrace the Com- 
pany, and to make the Colony feem difaffe(Sted to them, 
and willing to throw off their Yoke ; and would alfo have 
given fome Colour to their violent Suppreflion afterwards. 
But the Affembly feems fully to have underftood their Aim, 
and even to fufpe6l, that this was Part of their Errand and 
Inftru(£tions from England. For in their Anfwer, they en- 
deavoured to draw from them, by what Authority they 
made fuch a Propofal, and faid ; As they could not fee, 
how this Propofition had any Ground in the Infl:ru6tions, 
they had yet feen, they defired, before the Affembly 
returned an Anfwer, that the Commiflioners would fliew 
them the Depth of their Authority ; or otherwife fet it 
down under their Hands, that they had no further Com- 
miffions or Inftru6lions, which might concern them. 

But this Anfwer gave the Commiflioners great Offence, 
and drew from them a very fierce and menacing Reply : 
That they had acknowledged, in delivering their Papers, 
that they had neither Commiflion nor Inftru6lion, to move 
them to fubfcribe the Form propofed ; neither could the leaft 
Shadow of any fuch thing be collected from their Letter : 
That what they had propofed, was out of their Difcretion, 
as wholefome Counfel for the Good of the Colony ; neither 
was it precipitate or fudden, but proper to the Time, Oc- 
cafion, and Perfons : That the Mark, aimed at, was no 
lefs than his Majefty's Favour upon their Perfons and com- 
mon Caufe, to be obtained by Obedience and Thankful- 
nefs : That as there needed neither Commiflion nor In- 
ftru6tion, for them to propound the Pra6tice of fo eminent 
a Duty, fo it was lawful for them, as being Freemen and 
Planters, to offer to the General Aflembly any reafonable 
Motion, tho' of far lefs Confequence ; and had they not 
vouchfafed to return an Anfwer, they might juftly have 
feemed difcontented, or at leaft difcourteous : That they 
had no Reafon, upon this Occafion, to fearch into the Depth 
of their Authority (fince their Motion depenc^g^ not, nor 
needed to depend, on their particular Commiflion) much lefs, 
to urge them to fet down any thing under their Hands : That 
they could not profefs, that they had no farther Commif- 
fions, which might concern them, befides that already put 
in Execution ; for their Commiflions, yet unperformed, con- 
Y 4 cerned 



vernor. 



318 r/:^^ History 0/ VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1624. cerned them in their Houfes, Perfons, Servants, Corn, 

'^- — -^ 'Cattle, Arms, is'c. That however they need not fufpe6l. 

Sir Francis xh2i[ they would attempt any thing to any Man's Wrong, 
yat. Go- Qj. ^hich they could not very well anfwer. 

To this the Aflembly calmly replied : That they had 
already prefented their humbleft Thanks to his Majefty, 
for his gracious Care of them ; and had returned their An- 
fwer to the Lords of the Privy Council : That when their 
Affent to the Surrendry of their Charters fhould be required 
by Authority, it would then be the moft proper Time to 
make a Reply : But in the mean while, they conceived, 
his Majefty's Intention to change the Government had pro- 
ceeded from wrong Information ; which, they hoped, 
would be altered upon their more faithful Declarations. 
But the better to enable them to take a View of the Plan- 
tations, and to render an exa£l Account of the State of the 
Colony, the Aflembly ordered, upon the Commiflioners 
Application for their Affiftance, that the feveral Plantations 
fhould tranfport them from Plantation to Plantation, as 
they fhould defire ; and fliould accommodate them in the 
befi Manner, their Houfes and Rooms would afford. The 
Commiffioners alfo made the Aflembly four Propofitions ; 
concerning the befl: Places of Fortification and Defence ; 
the State of the Colony, with Refpe6l to the Savages ; the 
Hopes, that might be really and truly conceived of the 
Plantation ; and the properefl Means, to attain thofe 
Hopes : To all which the Aflembly gave full and particu- 
lar Anfwers. And I cannot but remark, that Captain 
Matthews^ who had joined with the General AlTembly in 
their publick A6i:s and Reprefentations againft the former 
Government, did likewife join with the Commiffioners in 
all thefe Proceedings : Whether he was brought over by the 
almighty Force and irrefifliable Allurement of private Ad- 
vantage ; or whether he thought himfelf obliged to do 
fomething in Conjunilion with them, as he was included 
in the fame CommifTion. 

The Laws of this Afl'embly confifted of thirty five 
Articles. For that Manner (taken, I prefume, from the 
Articles, fent over by Sir Thomas Smith) was at this time, 
and continued long after, the ufual Way of drawing up 
and enacting their Laws ; which indeed had this Good in 
it, that all tedious Forms were thereby cut off, and the 
main Senfe and Subflance of their A6f:s appeared at once, 
in clear and precife Terms. As thefe Laws are the oldefl, 
that I can now find upon our Records, and as they contain 
fome things of efpecial Note, I fhall here prefent them to 
the Reader. 

The 



Book V. TZv History of VIRGINIA. 319 

The firit feven related to the Church and Minifly, and '624. 

enacSled : That in every Plantation, where the People were ' ^^ ' 

wont to meet for the Worfliip of God, there fhould be a^"^ Francn 
Houfe, or Room, fet apart for that Purpofe, and not con- vgrnor 
verted to any temporal Ufe whatfoever ; and that a Place 
fliould be empaled and fequeftered, only for the Burial of 
the Dead : That whofoever fhould abfent himfelf from Di- 
vine Service any Sunday^ without an allowable Excufe, 
fliould forfeit a Pound of Tobacco, and that he, who ab- 
fented himfelf a Month, fliould forfeit fifty Pounds of To- 
bacco : That there fliould be an Uniformity in the Church, 
as near as might be, both in Subftance and Circumftance, 
to the Canons of the Church of England \ and that all 
Perfons fliould yield a ready Obedience to them, upon Pain 
of Cenfure : That the 22d of March (the Day of the 
iMaflacre) fliould be folemnifed and kept holy ; and that all 
other Flolidays fliould be obferved, except when two fell to- 
gether in the Summer Seafon (the Time of their Working and 
Crop) when the firft only was to be obferved, by reafon of their 
Neceffities and Employment : That no Minifter fliould be 
abfent from his Cure, above two A-lonths in the whole 
Year, upon Penalty of forfeiting half his Salary ; and who- 
foever was abfent above four iVlonths, fliould forfeit his 
whole Salary and his Cure : That whofoever fliould dif- 
parage a Minifter, without fufficient Proof to jufl:ify his 
Reports, whereby the Minds of his Parifliioners might be 
alienated from him, and his Miniftry prove the lefs effec- 
tual, fliould not only pay five hundred Pounds of Tobacco, 
but fliould alfo afk the Minifter Forgivenefs, publickly in 
the Congregation : That no Man fliould difpofe of any of 
his Tobacco, before the Minifl:er was fatisfied, upon For- 
feiture of double his Part towards the Salary ; and that one 
Man of every Plantation fliould be appointed, to collect the 
Minifter's Salary, out of the firif and befl: Tobacco and Corn. 

The eighth and ninth Articles related to the Gover- 
nor's Power : That he fliould not lay any Taxes or Im- 
pofitions upon the Colony, their Lands, or Commodities, 
otherwife than by the Authority of the General AiTembly ; 
to be levied and employed, as the faid Afl'embly fliould ap- 
point : That he fliould not withdraw the Inhabitants from 
their private Labours to any Service of his own, under any 
Colour whatibever ; and if the publick Service fliould re- 
quire the Employment of many Hands, before another 
General Aflembly met to give Order for the fame, in that 
Cafe, the levying Men fliould be done, by the Order of the 
Governor and whole Body of the Council ; and that in 
fuch Sort, as to be leaft burthenfome to the People, and 
« moft 




rhe History of VIRGINIA. Book V 

moft free from Partiality. Thus early was the Aflembly, 
out of the Memory of their paft Miferies and Oppreflions, 
ftudious and careful to eftablifh our Liberties ; and we had 
here, by the ready Concurrence and Co-operation of this 
excellent Governor, a Petition of Right pafled, above four 
Years, before that Matter was indubitably fettled and ex- 
plained in England. For thefe two Articles contain the 
fame in Effeft, as that famous explanatory and fundamental 
Law of the Englijh Conftitution ; viz. The firm Property 
of the Subje6ls Goods and Ellates, and the Liberty of 
their Perfons. 

The other Articles enacted : That all the old Planters, 
who were here before, or came in at the laft Arrival of 
Sir Tho?7ias Gates (in Aiigiif 1611.) fhould both themfelves 
and their Pofterity, except fuch as were employed to com- 
mand in Chief, be exempted from their perfonal Service in 
the Wars, and from all other publick Charges (Church 
Duties only excepted) but without the like Exemption of 
their Servants and Families : That no Burgefs of the Ge- 
neral Aflembly fliould be arrefled, during the fitting of the 
Aflembly, and a Week before and Week after ; upon Pain 
of the Creditor's forfeiting his Debt, and fuch Punifhment 
upon the OiBcer, as the Court fliould award : That there 
fhould be Courts kept once a Month, in the Corporations 
of Charles-City and Elifabeth-City^ for deciding Suits and 
Controverfies, not exceeding the Value of one hundred 
Pounds of Tobacco, and for punifhing petty Offences ; 
and that the Commanders of the Places, with fuch others, 
as the Governor and Council fhould appoint by Commiflion, 
fhould be Judges, the Commanders to be of the Riorum., 
and Sentence given by Majority of Voices ; with Referva- 
tion neverthelefs of Appeal, after Sentence, to the Gover- 
nor and Council ; and that whofoever appealed and was caft 
upon fuch Appeal, fhould pay double Damages : That 
every private Planter's Dividend of Land fhould be furveyed 
and laid off feparately, and the Bounds recorded by the Sur- 
veyor, who fhould have ten Pounds of Tobacco for every 
hundred Acres furveyed ; and that all petty Differences, be- 
tween Neighbours about their Bounds, fhould be decided 
by the Surveyor, but if of Importance, referred to the 
Governor and Council : That, for the People's Encourage- 
ment to plant Store of Co rn, the Price fhould be left 
free, and every Man might fell it, as dear as he could : 
(For the Governor and Council did then, and long after- 
wards, fet a Rate Yearly upon all Commodities, with Pe- 
nalties upon thofe, who exceeded it) That there fhould be 
a publick Granery in each Parifh, to which every Planter, 

above 



Wyat, Go- 
vernor. 



Book V. "The History of VIRGINIA. 321 

above eighteen Years of Age, who had been in the Country ^624. 

a Year, and was aUve at the Crop, fhould contribute a^"- — y ' 

Barrel of Corn, to be difpofed of, for the publick Ufes of ^^ ^' 
the Parifli, by the major Part of the Freemen ; the Remain- 
der to be taicen out by the Owners, Yearly on St. Thomg/s 
Day, and the new brought and put in it's Room : Xhat 
three capable Men, of every Parifh, fhould be fworn, to 
fee, that every Man planted and tended Corn fufficient for 
his Family ; and that thofe, who neglected fo to do, fhould 
be prefented by the faid three Men, to the Cenfure of the 
Governor and Council : That all Trade with the Indians for 
Corn, as well publick as private, fliould be prohibited, after 
the June following : That every Freeman fhould fence in a 
Quarter of an Acre of Ground, before the Whitfuntide next 
enfuing, for planting Vines, Herbs, Roots, and the like, 
under the Penalty of ten Pounds of Tobacco a Man ; but 
that no Man, for his own Family, fhould be obliged to 
fence above an Acre ; and that whofoever had fenced a Gar- 
den, and was outed of the Land, fhould be paid for it by 
the Owner of the Soil ; and that they fhould alfo plant 
Mulberry Trees: That the Proclamations againft Swearing 
and Drunkennefs, fet forth by the Governor and Council, 
were ratified by this AlTembly ; and it was farther ordered, 
that the Churchwardens fhould be fworn, to prefent all Of- 
fenders, to the Commanders of their refpe6live Plantations ; 
and that they fliould colle6f the Forfeitures for publick Ufes^ 
That a Proclamation fhould be read aboard every Ship, and 
afterwards fixed to the Maft, prohibiting them, without 
fpecial Order from the Governor and Council, to break 
Bulk, or make private Sale of any Commodities, till they 
came up to James-City : That the ancient Rates of Com- 
modities fhould be flill in Force ; and that Men fhould be 
fworn, in every Plantation, to cenfure the Tobacco : (So old 
are the firft Rudiments of our Tobacco-Law ; which never- 
thelefs, after fuch long Experience, raifed much Oppofition 
and Diflurbance :) That there fhould be no Weights or 
Meafures ufed, but fuch as were fealed, by Officers appoint- 
ed for that Purpofe : That every Dwelling-houfe fhould be 
Palifadoed in, for Defence againft the Indians : That no 
Man fhould go, or fend abroad, without a fufficient Party, 
well armed : That Men fhould not go to Work, without 
their Arms and a Sentinel fet : That the Inhabitants of the 
Plantations fliould not go on board Ships, or upon any other 
Occafion, in fuch Numbers, as thereby to weaken and en- 
danger the Plantation : That the Commander of every Plan- 
tation fliould take Care, that there be fufficient of Powder 
and Ammunition within his Plantation ; and that their 

Pieces 



rbe History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

Pieces be fixed, and Arms compleat : That there be fuffi- 

cient Watch kept, every Night : That no Commander of 

Sir Fraticis^j^y Plantation (hould either fpend himfelf, or fufFer others 

IVvat. Go- ■' . . ^ , rr~ -i . T^ . , . T- • 




IVyat, Go- 
vernor. 



to fpend Powder unneceffarily, in Drinking, Entertain- 
ments, and the hke : That fuch Perfons of Condition, as 
were found deHnquent in their Duty, and were not fit to 
undergo corporal Punifhment, might notwithftanding be 
imprifoned at the Difcretion of the Commander, and for 
greater Offences be fubjecSl to a Fine, infli6led by the Month- 
ly Court ; fo that it did not exceed the Value abovefaid : 
That every Perfon who had not found a Man at the Caftle 
(then building at Warrafqueake) fhould pay, for himfelf and 
Servants, five Pounds of Tobacco a Head, towards defray- 
ing the Charge of thofe, who had their Servants there : 
That, at the Beginning of fuly following, every Corpora- 
tion fhould fall upon their adjoining Indians ; and that thofe 
who fhould be hurt upon the Service, fhould be cured at 
the publick Expence ; and if any were lamed, they fhould 
be maintained by the Country, according to their Perfon 
and Quality : That for difcharging fuch publick Debts, as 
their Troubles had brought upon them, there fliould be le- 
vied ten Pounds of Tobacco upon every Male, above fixteen 
Years of Age, then living ; but not including fuch, as had 
arrived fince the Beginning of July lafl : That no Perfon, 
within this Colony, fliould prefume, upon the Rumour of 
any fuppofed Change and Alteration in England^ to be dif- 
obedient to the prefent Government, nor Servants to their 
private Maflers, Officers, or Overfeers, at their utmofl 
Peril. And the lafl: Article related to fending Mr. Pountis 
to England^ and levying four Pounds of Tobacco a Head, 
to fupport his Expences. Moft of thefe Laws were taken 
from preceeding Proclamations and Orders of the Governor 
and Council ; and I find, that the Governor was obliged, 
foon after, to iflhe a Proclamation, forbidding Women to 
contra6t themfelves to two feveral Men at one time. For 
Women being yet fcarce and much in requefl, this Off^ence 
was become very common ; whereby great Difquiet arofe 
between Parties, and no fmall Trouble to the Government. 
It was therefore ordered; That every Minifler fliould give 
Notice in his Church, that what Man or Woman foever 
fhould ufe any Word or Speech, tending to a Contrail of 
Marriage, to two feveral Perfons at one time, altho' not 
precife and legal, yet fo as might entangle or breed Scruple 
in their Confciences, fliould, for fuch their Offence, either 
undergo corporal Correftion, or be punifhed by Fine, or 
otherwife, according to the Quality of the Perfon fo of- 
fending. 

But 



JVyat, Go- 
vernor. 



Book V. The History of VIRGINIA. (223 

But whilft the Commiflioners were pufhing the Court 1624. 
Defigns in Firginia^ the opponent Faction in England were""" — y ' 
not lefs diligent and induftrious to blacken and defame the^^; Frar.cu 
Company. To this end, they engaged, according to their 
ufual Method, fome Planters, lately returned from Virgi- 
nia^ to petition and complain to his Majefty. Neither was 
it a difficult thing, among fo many weak, indigent, or 
wicked Perfons, as were concerned in the Plantations, to 
procure fome to fecond and abet any Complaint, however 
falfe and unjuft. Among other Matters of Grievance, they 
complained of the many Impofitions and Levies, laid upon 
the Planters towards the Support of the Company, from 
whom they were wont formerly to receive Relief; and 
therefore they befought his Majefty, to take them into his 
Royal Mercy and Proteftion, and to free them for the future 
from the grievous Impofitions of the faid Company. But 
Mr. Deputy Farrar defired them, to fet down in Writing 
the particular Grievances and Oppreffions, which they thus 
complained of in general ; that the Company might thereby 
be enabled to return a full and particular Anfwer. This 
they promifed to do, but afterwards, upon better Advice, 
refufed ; till at length, being farther preffed, they brought 
nine Articles, which however they could not be induced to 
fubfcribe, being reflrained by thofe behind the Scene. Thefe 
Articles contained criminal Charges of a very high Nature, 
and fome of them Capital, againlt the Governor and Coun- 
cil in Virginia ; fo that the Lawyers of the Company de- 
clared, that the Perfons who prefented them, except they 
could maintain and make them good, had incurred the Pe- 
nalty of Libellers. But at laft, after much Shuffling and 
Abfurdity of Complaint and Accufation, the Complainants 
in general, and one Perry in particular, confefled, that al- 
tho' they pretended to have Authority and Commifiion from 
the Planters in Virginia to make thefe Complaints, yet the 
Whole, both the Petition and Grievances, were entirely 
framed in England. Wherefore the Company, perceiving, 
they had been abufed and drawn into it by the Malice of 
others, thought fit to pafs it over, in Favour and Com- 
paflion to their Ignorance and Credulity. 

Upon Occafion of thefe grievous Accufations a2;ainft the 
Governor and Council, Sir Francis IVyafs Character and 
Condu6l were called much into Qiieftion and canvafled. 
But he was fufficiently cleared by the reft of the Planters 
then in Eyigland ; who gave ample Teftimony to the Wor- 
thinefs and Uprightnefs of his Proceedings, and declared 
upon their Confciences, that they efteemed him to be a moft 
juft and fincere Gentleman, and free from all Manner of 

Cor- 



Wyat, Go. 
vernor 



The History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

Corruption and private Ends. As therefore he had, by a 
Letter to the Company, declared his Defire to leave the 
^"' '^''''^^" Government at the Expiration of his Commiffion, which 
would be fhortly, they took the Matter into their ferious 
Confideration. But finding, that he had given very great 
Satisfa6tion to the Colony, as appeared by the Report of 
the Planters ; and confidering alfo, how much the Compa- 
ny was in his Debt, by not furnifliing him with his legal 
Number of Tenants, and that they had no Means left to 
make good their Promife to him, much lefs were they able 
to fet out a new Governor, it was thought beft and moft 
advifeable, to continue him ftill in his Office. But fome of 
the opponent Fa6lion moving, that Sir Sainuel Argall^ in 
Regard of his Worth, and of his Defire for the Place, might 
ftand in Ele6lion with him, they were both ballotted ; and 
Sir Francis Wyat was chofen by having fixty nine Balls, and 
Sir Samuel Argall only eight. And as the Company was 
then unable to fend over more Men to him, it was ordered, 
that he fhould be fupplied with his full Complement, out 
of the Company's Tenants in Virginia \ and the Confidera- 
tion of fome Recompence, for his former Lofs and Difap- 
pointment, was referred to the next Quarter Court. 

The laft Parliament, out of their Love and Efteem for 
Virginia^ but more elpecially out of Regard to the Advance- 
ment of the Trade of England^ had taken into their Con- 
fideration the Cafe of the Plantation Tobacco, and had enter- 
ed into a very good Courfe about it ; but by Reafon of their 
fudden Adjournment and Breach with the King, they were 
obliged to leave it unfiniflied. The Company therefore, 
being encouraged by this, and quite wearied out by the 
equivocal and fufpicious Condu6l of the King and his Mi- 
nifters, prefented a Petition to the Houfe of Commons, fet- 
ting forth : 

That after divers Difcoveries had confirmed the Opi- 
nion, that Virginia was fituate in a temperate and wholfome 
Climate, that the Soil was rich and fertile, the Country 
well watered with fruitful and navigable Rivers, and that 
their Ships, through a fair Sea, might have a comfortable 
falling in on a fafe Coaft, it pleafed God fo to afFe6l the 
Minds of divers worthily difpofed Noblemen, Gentlemen, 
and others, as to think it a Matter of great Religion and 
Honour, to endeavour the Propagation of Chriftianity among 
thofe barbarous People, and to gain fuch a hopeful Addition 
of Territory to his Majefty's Dominions : That his Ma- 
jefty alfo, being informed thereof, and apprehending, that 
great Honour and Commodity would thence arife to this 
Kingdom, was pleafed, by his moft gracious Letters-patent 

of 



Book V. r/je History of VIRGINIA. 325 

of Incorporation, from time to time renewed and enlarged, 1624. 
to confer as ample Privileges and Immunities, both for their -■; — r^^^ 
Afliftance, who fliould become Direftors of the Bufinefs ^^^^J^'^'^q^' 
home, and for their Comfort and Encouragement, th?it^J^^l^ 
would fettle and inhabit the Country, as could be then fore- 
feen or defired : That this gave fo general an Encourage- 
ment, that Noblemen, Knights, Gentlemen, Citizens, and 
others, in great Numbers, became Adventurers ; who, be- 
fides their Money, afforded many other Helps by their In- 
duftry, towards the Advancement and Perfection of this 
noble Work : And that, notwithftanding a Multitude of 
Accidents and Difafters, incident to fuch Undertakings in 
a remote and favage Country, yet it pleafed God, often to 
enliven their Hopes and Endeavours, by fuch an undoubted 
Probability of obtaining, at leaft for the Publick and Pofte- 
rity, fo beneficial a Retribution for all their Pains and Ex- 
pence, as would, in the End, crown their Labours with 
as much Glory, Honour, and Profit to the Realm of En- 
gland^ as could be well wiflied or expe6ted. 

They then proceeded to recount the feveral Emolu- 
ments and Advantages \.o^.En-gland^ which they had in their 
View and Expe6tation. \. The Converfion of the Savages 
to Chrijlianhy^ and eftablifhing the firft Colony of the Re- 
formed Religion, i 2. The difcharging the Overplus of 
neceffitous People,' which adminiftered Eewel to dangerous 
Infurre6lions, and the leaving greater Plenty for thofe, who 
remained. 3. The gaining a large Territory, already 
known to be great, and which might prove much greater ; 
whofe Fertility of Soil, and Temperature of Clime, agreed 
well with the Englifi^ and produced by Nature and In- 
duftry, whatever ufeful Commodities were found in any 
known Country. 4. The beneficial Tiflieries difcovered ; 
which, together with the continual Intercourfe and Com- 
merce between People of the fame Nation, would contri- 
bute exceedingly to the Increafe of the Englifl) Trade and 
Navigation. 5. The vaft Quantity of Timber and Mate- 
rials, for building and fetting forth Ships ; whereof there 
was a great Scarcity throughout all Europe. 6. The AfTu- 
rance, that many rich Trades might be found out there, 
and driven on to the incredible Benefit of the Nationf; be- 
fides the no fmall Hopes of an eafy and fhort Paflage to 
the South Sea, either by Sea or Land."^ 7. The ineftimable 
Advantage, that would be gained, in Cafe of War, both 
for the eafy affaulting the Spanijh Wejl-lndies^ and for the 
relieving and fuccouring all Ships and Men of War ; the 
Want whereof had in former times, difappointed and over- 
thrown fo many Voyages. But hereby the Benefit to the 

EngUfh 



326 "The History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1624.. EngHJJj would be certain, and the Enemy's Lofs and An- 
^■"■""V^^ noyance inevitable. After which, they went on in the fol- 
^^J'''^"^ 'Mowing Manner: 

veriior "" B u T fo it is, that now, when the natural Difficulties, 
incident to all new Plantations, are by Diligence and Tra6l 
of Time, but mofl: efpecially by the BleiBng of Almighty 
God, in a great Meafure overcome ; yet there have rifen 
other unnatural Impediments, proceeding from Fadion and 
Difcord, from the cunning Courfes and Praftifes of fome 
Perfons, who tended wholly to their own Profit, from Mif- 
employment of the publick Stock, falfe Accounts, and the 
like Corruptions and Diverfions from the main Bufinefs ; and 
that thefe were fo encreafed of late, and fupported by ftrong 
Hand, as threatened fpeedy Ruin and Deftru6lion to that 
excellent Work, if Remedies were not timely applied : That 
they, the Council and Company of Virginia^ differed not 
a little from other Companies ; as well in their Compofition, 
confiding of principal Noblemen, Gentlemen, Merchants 
and others ; as in the Ends, for which they were eftablifli- 
ed, being not fimply for Matter of Trade, but for things 
of a higher and more publick Nature : That neverthelefs, 
finding themfelves, in their Body, as it was then diftempered, 
unable to be their own Phyficians without higher Affiftance, 
they thought it their Duty, as well to clear their own Re- 
putation, as in Difcharge of their Confcience, and of the 
Truft repofed in them, to reprefent to the Parliament this 
Child of the Nation, expofed, as in the Wildernefs, to ex- 
treme Danger, and then fainting, as it were, and labouring 
for Life. 

They therefore humbly entreated that honourable 
Houfe, to take into their Commiferation, the diftrefl'ed Co- 
lony and oppreffed Company ; and to receive an Account 
from fuch of his Majefty's Council for Firglnia^ as, being 
Members of their Houfe, had been appointed by the Com- 
pany, to give them a full and exa£l Relation of all their 
Grievances and Oppreflions : Which, tho' of fundry Kinds, 
yet had received (as they doubted not to make evident) ei- 
ther their Original or Strength from the Lord High Trea- 
furer, out of his private and unjuft Defigns ; not only to 
almofl: the Overthrow of the Colonv, but alfo to the Decep- 
tion of his Majefty in his Profit and Revenue, to the great 
Prejudice of the whole Kingdom in Matter of Trade, and 
even to Points of dangerous Confequence to the Liberty of 
the Subje6f. 

This Proceeding was certainly no ways grateful to the 
King, who conceived himfelf much injured and affronted, 
if the Parliament entered upon any Confideration, which 

was 




vernor. 



Book V. r/v History of VIRGINIA. 

was not recommended to them by himfelf. For he looked 
upon them, not as the grand Council of the Nation, but of 
the King; and expected, that they fhould proceed with the ^ ^^''"^'J' 
abject Adulation and Submiflion of his Privy Council, and ^ 
never touch upon any difagreeable Subje6ls. But above all, 
Matters of Grievance were the Points, on which he was 
moft tender and touchy, and would often winch grievouf- 
ly ; and altho' the thing was difguifed, and even Praifes 
were given him in fome Parts of this Petition, yet it was 
evidently levelled, in the main, againft him and his Minif- 
ters. However, as his Majefty had called this Parliament 
with quite different Views, and treated it in a quite different 
Manner from the lafl, he took no Notice of it, but permit- 
ted it to take its Courfe in the Houfe. Its Reception was 
alfo fecured by the Complaints, in the latter Part, againft 
the Lord High Treafurer ; whom Buckingham and the Prince 
were, at this time, pulling down and tearing, as it were, 
with great Violence from the King's Side, not without very 
great Pain and Grief to his Majefty. 

This Petition was committed to the Deputy, and fuch 
others of the Council, as were alfo Members of the Houfe 
of Commons ; to prefent it to their Houfe, in the Name 
of the Council and Company of Virginia. It was received 
by the Commons very acceptably, notwithftanding fome 
Oppofition at firft ; and a Committee was appointed to hear 
and examine their Grievances and Oppreflions, to which 
all of the Company, that were Members of the Houfe, were 
admitted, to come and to hear, but not to have any Voice. 
But conceiving, that Counfel at Law could not be fo fully 
informed of all Paflages, as was requifite, and would not 
perhaps be fo cordially concerned, or favourably heard, 
they divided their Grievances into four feveral Heads, and 
committed them to the following Gentlemen, to deliver 
and fpeak to them. i. The Cafe of their Tobacco, with 
all the OpprelTions and Impofitions upon it, was committed 
to Mr. Deputy-Treafurer, Nicholas Farrar : 2. The Bufi- 
nefs of the Contrail, to Sir Edwin Sandys: 3. The Pro- 
ceedings of the Commiffioners, to the Lord Cavendijh : 
4, All PalTages and Meafures fince, to Sir John Davers. 
And all thefe Gentlemen, but efpecially the Lord Cavendijh., 
did very nobly and chearfully undertake, to perform and 
make good their feveral Parts. 

It was the Misfortune of thefe Affairs, to be brought 
into Parliament very late in the Seflions ; and they were 
befides of a very tender and delicate Nature. For, in their 
Procefs and Illue, they muft have turjied to a plain Ar- 
raignment of the Weaicnefs and Unfairnefs, or even of the 
^^ Z down- 



328 "The History of VIRGINIA. Book V. 

1624. downright Injuftice and Opprefliveneis of the King's Con- 
"■-^v — -^du6l towards the Company and Colony. The main Bufi- 
S,n Franas j^gfg therefore of their Oppreflions and Grievances did not 
Ternor. ° proceed in Parliament, but was waved and flurred over in 
Silence. But the particular Cafe of Tobacco, by the ex- 
ceeding Care and Wifdom of Sir Ediuin Sandys^ affifted by 
the Lord Cavendi/h^ and the other Gentlemen of the Com- 
pany, who had Seats in Parliament, was brought to a hap- 
py IlTue. For the Importation of foreign Tobacco was put, 
, as one of the nine Grievances of the Realm in Point of Trade, 
\ which this Seffion prefented to his Majefty, and defired Re- 
\ lief in. And altho' this was done profeiledly for the Good 
of England^ without any Mention or Relation to Virginia^ 
yet the Deputy told the Company, that he doubted not, 
but the whole Houfe had, in their Hearts, an efpecial Re- 
gard to the Advancement of the Colonies. And as this 
Courfe was as effectual for Exclufion of Spanijh Tobacco, 
as if it had been done by Bill, fo was it much better, than 
if it had been done by the Bill, which was drawn the laft 
Parliament. For fince that Time, the State and Price of 
Tobacco was fo much altered, that it could then no ways 
bear the twelve Pence a Pound Duty, which that Bill laid 
upon it, but muft thereby have been as certainly ruined and 
overthrown, as by any other Courfe. But this fecond Way 
brought with it all the Good of the Bill, and left out all its 
Evil. Wherefore, he faid, it could not be too much com- 
mended, nor Sir Edwin Sandys^ to whom they were be- 
holden for it, fufficiently thanked. And it may be here far- 
ther obferved, that the King's Meafures by this time were 
entirely reverfed. For the Spanijh Match was now broke 
off, and even War was declared againft the King of Spain^ 
and the whole Houfe of Aujiria. So that the Intereft of 
England would no longer be obliged to ftoop to the Intereft 
of Spain \ and a Prohibition of their Tobacco would be ea- 
fily granted, as it agreed with the prefent Paifions and Mea- 
fures of the Court. 

This was the laft Service that Sir Edwin Sandys^ or the 
Company, were able to do the Colony and Trade. For 
foon after. Captain Harvey and Mr. Pory^ the Privy Coun- 
\ cil's CommiiTioners, returned from Virginia. What their 
Report was of the State of the Colony, I cannot difcover ; 
but we may eafily judge, by the Principles and Difpofitions 
of the Men, that it was not much to the Honour or Advan- 
tage of the prefent Government. Upon their Return there- 
fore, his Majefty was pleafed, by a Proclamation bearing 
Date the 15th of y«/v, 1624, to fupprefs the Courfe of their 
Courts at Deputy Farrar's. And for the prefent Ordering 

of 



BookV. TZv History r?/ VIRGINIA. 329 

of the Affairs of the Colony, 'till a fuller and more perfect '624. 
Settlement of them could be made, the Lord Prefident of' 
his Majeffv's Privy Council, with other Privv Counfellors, 
and feveral Knights and Gentlemen, were appointed to 
meet, every Thiirfday in the Afternoon, at Sir Thoinas Smiil/s 
Houfe, in Philpot-Lzne ; whither all Perfons, whom it 
might concern, were ordered to repair. And thus Sir Tho- 
mas Smith triumphed over the Companies and the Colonies ; 
and notwithftanding the authentic Reprefentations of the 
Company in England^ and our General Affembly here a- 
gainfl: him, and the plain Dete6tion of his Cruelties and Op- 
preilions, to all Men of common Senfe and common Juftice, 
yet he did at laft recover his Power again, and was the Per- 
fon chiefly depended upon, by the Solo?non of that Age, in 
all Matters relating to them. For the Somer-IJJands Courts 
had been fuppreffed fome Months before, by a fimple Let- 
ter from the King ; and Meetings appointed, at Sir Thomas 
Sffiith's^ for the Management of their Affairs. But thefe 
Meetings were without the Mixture of any Privy Coun- 
fellors, and wholly confifted of himfelf and his Creatures. 
And by this time, in the Abfence of Sir Edward Sackvil^ 
now Earl of Dorfet^ their Governor, who had, the Year 
before, fucceeded the Lord Cavendijh^ now alfo Earl of De- 
vonPAre^ and under Colour of fome Complaints and Diffen- 
tions, the Lords of the Privy Council appointed Sir Thomas 
Smith again Governor of that Company ; affuming to them- 
felves a boundlefs Power of placing and difplacing legal Offi- 
cers, as they pleafed. This Appointment, Captain Smith 
tells us, was afterwards confirmed, and Sir Thomas Smith 
elefted by the Court. But this Court was only his Fa6fion, 
who affumed to themfelves that Name and Chara6ler. For 
I find, that many of the Company, and as it appears, a vaft 
Majority, complained of them, and declared againft their 
Meetings, as Ufurpations upon the Government of the Com- 
pany, and no ways legal or valid. 

This was the End of the Virginia Company; one of 
the nobleft, moft illuftrious, and publick-fpirited Societies, 
that ever yet perhaps engaged in fuch an Undertaking. It / 
was an Event certainly of Benefit and Advantage to the \ \ / 

Country, as we in America find by Experience, that it is \ 

better to be under a Royal Government, than in the Hands 
of Proprietors, in what Shape or Manner foever. But yet 
it muft be at laft confeffed, that it was brought about with 
all imaginable Inftances of Unrighteoufnefs and Oppreffion ; 
and that not even the Decency of Forms of Law were kept 
up or regarded in it. For altho' a Writ of ^lo Warranto 
(an oppreffive Writ in itfelf, and for the moft part turned 
Z 2 to 




rhe History o/" VIRGINIA. Book V. 

to very bafe and illegal Purpofes) was ifl'ued againft the 
Company, yet I cannot underftand, altho' I have taken no 
fmall Pains to find it out, that it ever came to an Iflue or 
Determination. And to difl'olve them by the arbitrary Au- 
thority of a Proclamation, whilft a legal Procefs was de- 
pending, feems but a more bare-faced Injuftice and Oppref- 
fion. Far the greater Part of the Company did, by no 
means, deferve fuch Treatment. They appear, from all 
the Papers and Records that I have perufed, to have been 
Gentlemen of very noble, clear, and difinterefted Defigns ; 
who, as they were above the Neceflity of any Accefs to 
their own Fortunes, were willing and intent to fpend much 
of their Time and Money, in advancing an Undertaking 
which they juftly conceived to be of very great Confequence 
to their Country. And even Captain Smithy who was cer- 
tainly no Friend to the Company, and whofe Hiftory feems 
much in Honour and Vindication of Sir Thomas Smith and 
his Government, yet owns, that fcarce any of the Nobility 
and Gentry expelled or aimed at any thing elfe, but the 
Profperity of the A6tion : And he was confidently perfua- 
ded, that fome Merchants, and others, took more Care 
and Pains, even at their own continual great Charge, than 
they could be hired to, for the Love of Money ; fo honeftly 
regarding the general Good of the Enterprife, that they 
would hold it worfe than Sacrilege, to wrong it but a Shil- 
ling, or to extort a Penny upon the common People. 

It may indeed be thought fomething ftrange, how fo 
many Gentlemen, of the nobleft Fortunes and moft publick 
Spirits in the Nation, could fo patiently fubmit to fuch evi- 
dent Injury and Wrong, without bringing the Matter to a 
legal Trial. But they had been much harrafled and fatigued 
of late, by the Difcords and Factions in the Company ; 
which, they plainly faw, were fupported and abetted by the 
King, for fome unjuft and partial Views of his own, being 
much charmed with the unexpectedly large and rifing Re- 
venue from Tobacco, and therefore defirous to get the 
Plantations wholly into his own Hands. They had alfo ex- 
pended largely above an hundred thoufand Pounds, out of 
their own private Fortunes, without any probable Profpe6l 
of prefent Retribution or Gain to themfelves ; and they 
could not but fee, that proceeding in the Enterprife would 
ftill engage them in farther Expences, for which they would 
only be expofed to the Abufes and Affronts of the opponent 
Faction, and to Injuries and Oppreflions from the King and 
his Council. They might alfo confider perhaps the State 
of the Courts of Law at that time, which could give them 
but (lender Hopes of obtaining any Redrefs there. For the 

Judges 



Book V. rhe History of VIRGINIA. 331 

Judges and Oracles of Law are greatly wronged and abufed, '^2,4. 
if they were not then, like the lying Oracle of old, much ""— ""^^ ' 
addiiled to philippi-zing^ and willing to raife the Royal Pre- ^^'■''"'^" 
rogative above all Reftraints of Law, or of any other earthly venuir. 
Power. Their original Records, on which their Proofs 
muft chiefly depend, had likewife been taken from them 
by the Privy Council. And the Earl of Southampton^ who 
had all their Eyes and Hearts fixed upon him, after languifh- 
ing fome time, and having firft loft his eldeft Son, the Lord 
IVriothfley^ died this following Winter 1624. To which 
may be added, that the Succefs of the Colonies was ftill 
doubtful, without the King's Favour and ProtecSlion ; or at 
leaft againft his Will, and the perpetual Stretch of his Power 
thwarting and opprefling them. They therefore filently ac- 
quiefced and fubmitted to this illegal Diflolution ; and qui- 
etly withdrew from an Affair, which had coft them fo much 
Money and Pains, and had given them fuch continual Trou- 
ble and Vexation. 



F I N I S. 




An 



A N 



APPENDIX 

T O T H E 

Firft Part of the 

HISTORY 



O F 



VIRGINIA: 

CONTAINING 

A Collediion of fuch ancient Charters 

or Letters Patent, as relate to that Period 
of Time, and are (till extant in our publick 
Offices in the Capitol, or in other authentic 
Papers and Records. 



^MTS 



WILLIAMSBURG: Printed by W. Parks, 
M,DCC,XLVIL 



'§i^'x^si.-'W'^m 




THE 

PREFACE. 

^:©§;©^i^ the tivo fir/} of the follotving Charters^ I have 
i^) r\ ^^ f^^'^T- four Copies; oni^amorig ±he oldeji Records in 
6m: U yC,^ ^jjg Secretary's Office^ much mangled and defaced ; 
c<a)'f§^*©o another in the Council Office^ tolerably legible ; a 
third^ in a very fair Book of Records^ ivhich be- 
longs^ as 1 take it^ to the Houfe of Burgejfes Office ; and the 
fourth and mojl correSl^ I found among Sir John Randolph'^ 
Papers^ tranfcribed by his Clerk^ and collated^ as I fuppofe^ 
from different Copies^- However^ I caji venture to ajfure the 
Reader^ that the Edition^ which I here give by the Help of 
the two la ft mentioned Copies^ is Jiill fuller and inore correal 
than any of them. Of the third Charter I have never met 
with but one Copy^ Ukeiuife in Sir John Randolph'^- Collection 
of public k Papers. It is pretty corredly tranfcribed ; and I 
hope., it will be found^ with the neceffary Emendations.^ I have 
made in it^ very complete and exaSi. Thefe are all the King's 
Charters to the Company., that I have been able to find ; al- 
though they certainly are not all., he granted. For many things 
are mentioned in the Company' s Records., as draxvn from their 
Charters., which, are neverthelefs not to be found in thefe. 
But to thefe Royal Charters I have added a fourth, The 
Company's Charter and Conftitution of a Council of State 
and a General Afiembly ; which I found in the above-men- 
tioned Book., belonging to the Clerk's Ojfce of the Houfe of 
Burgejfes. As their Authority for granting it was unquejiion- 
able., and as it is of an importa^it Nature., and the firji 
Draught afid Foundation of the Conftitution of this Colony., i 
thought., an Edition of it luould not be unacceptable to the 
learned and curious Reader. 

I once intended [as Bijhop Burnet has done., in a very ufe- 
ful and fatis factory Manner., in his Hijhry of the Reforma- 
tion^ to have added feveral other very curious Papers and 
original Pieces of Record. But I perceive., to my no fmall 
^^ Sur- 



The P R E F A C E. 

Siirprife and Mortification^ that fome of ?ny Countrymen {and 
thofe too^ Perfons of high Fortune and Dijiin^ion) feerned to 
he much alar7ned^ and to grudge^ that a complete Hijiory of 
their own Coioitry would run to more than one Volume^ and 
coji them above half a Pi/iole. I luas therefore obliged to 
re/irain my Hand^ and only to infert thefe fw moji necefary 
Infruments^ for fear of enhancing the Price ^ to the iminenfe 
Charge a?id irreparable Damage of fuch generous and public k- 
fpiriied Gentlemen. 

I thought the Publication of thefe Charters the 7nore proper., 
as I conceive., that they have never been legally revoked., and 
as they contain things of very great Conjequence and Concern. 
For if the Inhabitants and Natives of these Colonies are en- 
titled to all Liberties, Franchifes, and Immunities of free 
Denizens and natural Subje6ls, to all Intents and Purpofes, 
as if they had been abiding and born within the Realm of 
England., or any other of his Majefty's Dominions {as is 
exprefy declared in Se5t. xv. of the frft., and Se^. xxii. of 
the fecond Charter^ what Room can there be for that favifb 
Dohrine., which luas broached by a fudge of New-York, in 
a criminal Trial., {the Cafe of Col. Bayard, publijhed in the 
printed Colle£lion of State Trials) that altho' petitioning the 
King was no Crime, yet it might be fo, to petition the 
Houfe of Commons in the Plantations, where the King 
governs by his PREROGATIVE ; a Word always 
doubtful., equivocal., and fufpicious., but to be fure fruitful of 
Tyranny and of all arbitrary and illegal Opprefjion., when 
unfixed and unrejirained by the Laiv. And what Law in 
the Plantations can curb the Royal Prerogative., luhich is faid 
to be as ancient as the Crown o/' England itfelf and to be 
always inherent and infeperable from it ? But it is 7iot to be 
fuppofed., that that Dragoon of the Long-Robe., and legal 
Pander to Slavery^ had any Thought or Deftre., to Jhp with 
the Laws the Breach., luhich he endeavoured to make in the 
Liberties of the Colonies ; or to fiay., with old moldering 
Parchments., the latvlefs and overiuhelming Waves of Prero- 
gative. 

BUT farther: If ive have a Right to A\ the Liberties, 
Franchifes, and Immunities ij/'Englifhmen, in vain tuas the 
Chicanery of K. Charles //, and at la/i his abfolute Refufal, 
in the Charter which he granted the Colony., to ratify and con- 
firm the Power and Authority of the Grand Aflembly, 
confiding of the Governor, Council, and Bugefies ; as alfo 
to grant and declare., that no Manner of Impofitions or 
Taxes {hould be laid on the Colony, but by the common 
Confent of the Governor, Council, and Burgefles, as had 
been theretofore ufed. For what Liberty, Franchife, or 

Im- 



The PREFACE. 

Immunity Is dearer or more ejjential to f^nglifhmen, than to 
be fubje£t to fuch Laws^ as are enafAed^ and to be liable to 
no Taxes^ but what are laid upon them^ by their oiun Confent^ 
in a Parliamentary Way ? And befides^ it zvas then too late 
to abridge the Liberties of our General J[]hnblies^ and to keep 
them in a precarious and dependent State^ as that Prince {ne- 
ver a Friend to the Liberties of his People or Mankind^ hut 
about that time particularly plunged in arbitrary Schemes and 
De/igns) endeavoured to do. For above fifty Tears before 
that., the Company had exprefy eftablijhed the General Ajfem- 
bly., by the fourth Charter in this Collection., and by a Power 
i?7imediately derived from the King. And fuppofing their own 
Charters were afterivards legally revoked., yet that {which 
they granted by his Majefiy'' s exprefs Authority and Direc- 
tion., and whilji their oivn Powers luere in full Force and Va- 
lidity) luill not., I prefu7ne., confequeritly fall and be annulled 
with them. 

THESE., and the like ' Concluftons., luill naturally arife 
from the following Charters. And I therefore hope., I fhall 
need no other Reafon or Apology .^ for thus giving them to the 
Pub lick. 



NO. I. 



N°- I. 

K. James /.'i Letters Patent to Sir Thomas Gates, Sir 
George Somers, and others^ for two feveral Colonies and 
Plantations^ to be made in Virginia, and other Parts and 
Territories of America. Dated April lO, 1606. 

L '\ A M ES, hy \.\ve Grace of God, King of England, Scot- 
I land, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. 
Whereas our loving and well-difpofed Subjefts, Sir 
Thomas Gates, and Sir George Somers, Knights, Richard 
Hacklidt, Clerk, Prebendary of Wejlminjler, and Edward-Maria 
Wing field, Thomas Hanham, and Ralegh Gilbert, Efqrs. William 
Parker, and George Popham, Gentlemen, and divers others of our 
loving Subjeds, have been humble Suitors unto us, that We would 
vouchfafe unto them our Licence, to make Habitation, Planta- 
tion, and to deduce a Colony of fundry of our People into that 
Part oi America, commonly called V i r g 1 n i a, and other Parts 
and Territories in America, either appertaining unto us, or which 
are not now aftually poflefled by any Chnjlmn Prince or People, 
fituate, lying, and being all along the Sea Coafts, between four 
and thirty Degrees of Northerly Latitude from the Equinodlial 
Line, and five and forty Degrees of the fame Latitude, and in 
the main Land between the fame four and thirty and five and 
forty Degrees, and the Iflands thereunto adjacent, or within one 
hundred Miles of the Coafts thereof; 

n. And to that End, and for the more fpeedy Accomplifli- 
ment of their faid intended Plantation and Habitation there, are 
defirous to divide themfelves into two feveral Colonies and Com- 
panies ; The one confifting of certain Knights, Gentlemen, Mer- 
chants, and other Adventurers, of our City of London and elfe- 
where, which are, and from time to time fhall be, joined unto 
them, wliich do defire to begin their Plantation and Habitation in 
fome fit and convenient Place, between four and thirty and one 
and forty Degrees of the faid Latitude, alongft the Coafts of 
Virginia and Coafts of America aforefaid ; And the other con- 
fifting of fundry Knights, Gentlemen, Merchants, and other Ad- 
venturers, of our Cities of Brijiol and Exeter, and of our Town 
of Plimouth, and of other Places, which do join themfelves unto 
that Colony, which do defire to begin their Plantation and Ha- 
bitation in fome fit and convenient Place, between eight and thirty 
Degrees and five and forty Degrees of the faid Latitude, all alongft 
the faid Coaft of Virginia and America, as that Coaft lyeth : 

in. We, greatly commending, and gracioufly accepting of, 
their Defires for the Furtherance of fo noble a Work, which may, 
by the Providence of Almighty God, hereafter tend to the Glory 
of his Divine Majefty, in propagating of Chri/iian Rellgioa to 

fuch 



2 K..yciMcs's firft Charter for Virginia,^//-// lo, 1606. 

fuch People, as . yet live in Darknefs and miferable Ignorance of 
the true Knowledge and Worfhip of God, and may in time bring 
the Infidels and Savages, living in thofe Parts, to human Civility, 
and to a fettled and quiet Government ; D O, by thefe our Let- 
ters Patents, gracioufly accept of, and agree to, their humble 
and well intended Defires ; 

IV. And do therefore, for Us, our Heirs, and Succeflbrs, 
GRANT and agree, that the faid Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George 
Somers, Richard Hackliat, and Edward-Maria Wingjield, Ad- 
venturers of and for our City of London, and all fuch others, as 
are, or fhall be, joined unto them of that Colony, fhall be called 
the fir/I Colony ; And they fliall and may begin their faid firft 
Plantation and Habitation, at any Place upon the faid Coall of 
Virginia or America, where they fhall think fit and convenient, 
between the faid four and thirty and one and forty Degrees of the 
faid Latitude ; And that they fliall have all the Lands, Woods, 
Soil, Grounds, Havens, Ports, Rivers, Mines, Minerals, Mar- 
fhes. Waters, Filhings, Commodities, and Hereditaments, what- 
foever, from the faid firft Seat of their Plantation and Habitation 
by the Space of fifty Miles of Englijh Statute Meafure, all along 
the faid Coaft of Virginia and America, towards the JVe/i and 
Southzveji, as the Coaft lyeth, with all the Iflands within one 
hundred Miles directly over againft the fame Sea Coaft; And al- 
fo all the Lands, Soil, Grounds, Havens, Ports, Rivers, Mines, 
Minerals, Woods, Waters, Marflies, Fiilnngs, Commodities, and 
Hereditaments, whatfoever, from the faid Place of their firft Plan- 
tation and Habitation for the Space of fifty like Englijli Miles, all 
alongft the faid Coaft of Virginia and America, towards the Eajl 
and Northeajl, or towards the North, as the Coaft lyeth, toge- 
ther with all the Iflands within one hundred Miles, diredlly over 
againft the faid Sea Coaft ; And alfo all the Lands, Woods, Soil, 
Grounds, Havens, Ports, Rivers, Mines, Minerals, Marfties, Wa- 
ters, Fiftiings, Commodities, and Hereditaments, whatfoever, 
from the fame fifty Miles every way on the Sea Coaft, direftly 
into the main Land by the Space of one hundred like EngliJli 
Miles ; And ftiall and may inhabit and remain there ; and ftiall 
and may alfo build and fortify within any the fame, for their bet- 
ter Safeguard and Defence, according to their beft Difcretion, and 
the Difcretion of the Council of that Colony ; And that no other 
of our Subjeds ftiall be permitted, or fuffered, to plant or inhabit 
behind, or on the Backfide of them, towards the main Land, 
without the Exprefs Licence or Confent of the Council of that 
Colony, thereunto in Writing firft had and obtained. 

V. And we do likewife, for Us, our Heirs, and Succeflbrs, 
by thefe Prefents, Grant and agree, that the faid Thomas Han- 
ham, and Ralegh Gilbert, IVilliam Parker, and George Popham, 
and all others of the Town of Plimouth in the County of Devon, 
or elfewhere, which are, or ftiall be, joined unto them of that 
Colony, ftiall be called the Jecond Colony ; And that they ftiall and 
may begin their faid Plantation and Seat of their firft Abode and 
Habitation, at any Place upon the faid Coaft of Virginia and A- 
vierica, where they ftiall think fit and convenient, between eight 

and 



K. Jd/z/cs's firfl Charter for Virginia, Jjyr// lo, 1606. 3 

and thirty Degrees of the laid Latitude, and five and forty De- 
grees of the lame Latitude ; And that they fhall have all the 
Lands, Soils, Grounds, Havens, Ports, Rivers, Mines, Minerals, 
Woods, Marfhes, Waters, Fifhings, Commodities, and Heredita- 
ments, whatfoever, from the firft Seat of their Plantation and Ha- 
bitation by the Space of fifty like EngliJJi Miles, as is aforefaid, 
all alongft the faid Coaft of Virginia and America, towards the 
Wejl and Soiithzrejt, or towards the South, as the Coaft lyeth, 
and all the Iflands within one hundred Miles, dircdly over againft 
the faid Sea Coaft ; And alio all the Lands, Soils, Grounds, Ha- 
vens, Ports, Rivers, Mines, Minerals, Woods, Marfhes, Waters, 
Fifliings, Commodities, and Hereditaments, whatfoever, from the 
faid Place of their firft Plantation and Habitation for the Space of 
fifty like Miles, all alongft the faid Coaft of f'irgima and Ame- 
rica, towards the Eaji and Nortliea/i, or towards the North, as 
the Coaft lyeth, and all the Iflands alfo within one hundred Miles 
diredly over againft the fame Sea Coaft ; And alfo all the Lands, 
Soils, Grounds, Havens, Ports, Rivers, Woods, Mines, Minerals, 
Marflies, Waters, Fifhings, Commodities, and Hereditaments, 
whatfoever, from the fame fifty Miles every way on the Sea 
Coaft, direftly into the main Land, by the Space of one hundred 
like Engjijh Miles ; And fhall and may inhabit and remain there ; 
and fliall and may alfo build and fortify within any the fame for 
their better Safeguard, according to their beft Difcretion, and the 
Difcretion of the Council of that Colony; And that none of our 
Subjeds fhall be permitted, or fufFered, to plant or inhabit be- 
hind, or on the Back of them, towards the main Land, without 
the exprefs Licence of the Council of that Colony, in Writing 
thereunto firft had and obtained. 

VL Provided always, and our Will and Pleafure herein 
is, that the Plantation and Habitation of fuch of the faid Colo- 
nies, as fhall laft plant themfelves, as aforefaid, fliall not be made 
within one hundred like Englijh Miles of the other of them, that 
firft began to make their Plantation, as aforefaid. 

VII. And we do alfo ordain, eftablifti, and agree, for Us, 
our Heirs, and SuccefTors, that each of the faid Colonies fhall 
have a Council, which fhall govern and order all Matters and 
Caufes, which fliall arife, grow, or happen, to or within the fame 
leveral Colonies, according to fuch Laws, Ordinances, and In- 
ftrucftions, as fhall be, in that behalf, given and figned with Our 
Hand or Sign Manual, and pafs under the Privy Seal of our 
Realm of England; Each of which Councils fhall confift of thir- 
teen Perfons, to be ordained, made, and removed, from time 
to time, according as fliall be direded and comprifed in the fame 
InftrudiohS; And fliall have a feveral Seal, for all Matters that 
fhall pafs or concern the fame feveral Councils; Each of which 
Seals fliall have the King's Arms engraven on the one Side there- 
of, and his Portraiture on the other ; And that the Seal for the 
Council of the faid firft Colony fhall have engraven round about, 
on the one Side, thefe Words ; SigiUuvi Regis Magna: Britannia:, 
Francice, & Hihernice ; on the other Side this Inlcription, round 
about; Fro Concilio primce Colomcc Virginia:. And the Seal for 

the 



4 K. James's firft Charter for Virginia, Jpril lo, i6o5. 

the Council of the faid fecond Colony fhall alfo have engraven, 
round about the one Side thereof, the aforefaid Words ; Siglllum 
Regis Magnce, BritaJinicc, Francicc, 6? Hibermcc', and on the 
other Side ; Pro Concilio Jecundcc Colonicc Virginicc : 

VIII. And that alfo there fhall be a Council eftabUflied here 
in England, which fhall, in like Manner, confifl of thirteen Per- 
fons, to be, for that Purpofe, appointed by Us, our Heirs and 
SuccefTors, which fhall be called our Coiincil of Virginia; And 
fhall, from time to time, have the fuperior Managing and Direc- 
tion, only of and for all Matters, that fhall or may concern the 
Government, as well of the faid feveral Colonies, as of and for 
any other Part or Place, within the aforefaid Precinfts of four 
and thirty and five and forty Degrees, abovementioned ; Which 
Council fhall, in like manner, have a Seal, for Matters concern- 
ing the Council or Colonies, with the hke Arms and Portraiture, 
as aforefaid, with this Infcription, engraven round about on the 
one Side ; Sigilluni Regis Magna: Britannia, Francue, 6? Hiber- 
nice ; and round about the other Side, Pro Conalio Jiio Virginia:. 

IX. And moreover, we do Grant and agree, for Us, our 
Heirs and SuccefTors, that the faid feveral Councils, of and for 
the faid feveral Colonies, fhall and lawfully may, by Virtue 
hereofj from time to time, without any Interruption of Us, our 
Heirs or SuccefTors, give and take Order, to dig, mine, and 
fearch for all Manner of Mines of Gold, Silver, arid Copper, as 
well within any Part of their faid feveral Colonies, as of the faid 
main Lands on the Backfide of the fame Colonies ; And to Have 
and enjoy the Gold, Silver, and Copper, to be gotten thereof, 
to the Ufe and Behoof of the fame Colonies, and the Plantations 
thereof; Yielding therefore, to Us, our Heirs and SuccefTors, 
the fifth Part only of all the fame Gold and Silver, and the fif- 
teenth Part of all the fame Copper, fo to be gotten or had, as is 
aforefaid, without any other Manner of Profit or Account, to be 
given or yielded to Us, our Heirs, or SuccefTors, for or in Re- 
fpe£t of the fame : 

X. And that they fhall, or lawfully may, eftablifh and caufe 
to be made a Coin, to pafs current there between the People of 
thofe feveral Colonies, for the more Eafe of Traffick and Bargain- 
ing between and amongft them and the Natives there, of fuch Me- 
tal, and in fuch Manner and Form, as the faid feveral Councils 
there fhall limit and appoint. 

XI. And we do likewife, for Us, our Heirs, and SuccefTors, 
by thefe Prefcnts, give full Power and Authority to the faid Sir 
Thomas Gates, Sir George Son/ers, Richard Hacklint, Edward-Ma- 
ria Wing field, Thomas Hanliam, Ralegh Gilbert, William Parker t 
and George Pophani, and to every of them, and to the faid feveral 
Companies, Plantations, and Colonies, that they, and every of 
them, fhall and may, at all and every time and times hereafter, 
have, take, and lead in the faid Voyage, and for and towards the 
faid feveral Plantations and Colonies, and to travel thitherward, 
and to abide and inhabit there, in every the faid Colonies and 
Plantations, fuch and fo many of our Subjects, as fhall willingly 
accompany them, or any of them, in the faid Voyages and Plan- 
tations, 



K. James's firit Charter for Virginia, April lo, 1606. 

tations ; With fufficlent Shipping, and Furniture of Armour, 
Weapons, Ordinance, Powder, Vidlual, and all other things, ne- 
ccflary for the faid Plantations, and for their Ufe and Defence 
there : Provided always, that none of the faid Perfons be fuch, 
as fhall hereafter be fpecially reftrained by Us, our Heirs, or Suc- 
cefTors. 

XII. Moreover, we do, by thefe Prefents, for Us, our 
Heirs, and Succeflbrs, Give and grant Licence unto the faid 
Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Somers, Richard Hackluit, Edzvard- 
Maria Wing field, Thomas Hanham, Ralegh Gilbert, William 
Parker, and George Popham, and to every of the faid Colonies, 
that they, and every of them, fhall and may, from time to time, 
and at all times for ever hereafter, for their feveral Defences, 
encounter, expulfe, repel, and' refift, as well by Sea as by 
Land, by all Ways and Means whatfoever, all and every fuch 
Perfon and Perfons, as without the efpecial Licence of the faid 
feveral Colonies and Plantations, fhall attempt to inhabit within 
the faid feveral Precinfts and Limits of the faid feveral Colonies 
and Plantations, or any of them, or that fhall enterprife or at- 
tempt, at any time hereafter, the Hurt, Detriment, or Annoy- 
ance, of the faid feveral Colonies or Plantations : 

XIII. Giving and granting, by thefe Prefents, unto the 
faid Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Somers, Richard Hackluit, Ed- 
xvard-Maria Wing field, and their Aflbciates of the faid firft Co- 
lony, and unto the faid Thomas Hanham., Ralegh Gilbert, Wil- 
liam Parker, and George Popham, and their Aflbciates of the 
faid fecond Colony, and to every of them, from time to time, 
and at all times forever hereafter, Power and Authority to take 
and furprife, by all Ways and Means whatfoever, all and every 
Perfon and Perfons, with their Ships, Veflels, Goods, and other 
Furniture, which fhall be found trafficking, into any Harbour or 
Harbours, Creek or Creeks, or Place, within the Limits or Pre- 
cinfts of the faid feveral Colonies and Plantations, not being of 
the fame Colony, until fuch time, as they, being of any Realms 
or Dominions under our Obedience, fhall pay, or agree to pay, 
to the Hands of the Treafurer of that Colony, within whofe 
Limits and Precinfts they fhall fo traffick, two and a half upon 
every Hundred, of any thing, fo by them trafficked, bought, or 
fold ; And being Strangers, and not Subjefts under our Obey- 
fance, until they fhall pay five upon every Hundred, of fuch 
Wares and Merchandifes, as they fhall traffick, buy, or fell, 
within the Precinfts of the faid feveral Colonies, wherein they 
fhall fo traffick, buy, or fell, as aforefaid ; Which Sums of 
Money, or Benefit, as aforefaid, for and during the Space of one 
and twenty Years, next enfuing the Date hereof, fhall be wholly 
emploied to the Ufe, Benefit, and Behoof of the faid feveral 
Plantations, where fuch Traffick fhall be made; And after the 
faid one and twenty Years ended, the fame fhall be taken to the 
Ufe of Us, our Heirs, and Succeffors, by fuch Officers and Mi- 
niflers, as by Us, our Heirs, and Succeflbrs, fhall be thereunto 
affigned or appointed. 

4T A a XIV. 



K. James'^ firft Charter for Virginia, April lo, i6c6. 

XIV. And we do further, by thefe Prefents, for Us, our 
Heirs, and SucceiTors, Give and grant unto the faid Sir Tho- 
mas Gates, Sir George Somers, Richard Hackluit, and Edward- 
Maria Wingfield, and to their AlFociates of the faid firft Colony 
and Plantation, and to the faid Thomas Hanham, Ralegh Gilbert, 
Williarn Parker, and George Fopham, and their Affociates of the 
faid fecond Colony and Plantation, that they, and every of them, 
by their Deputies, Minifters, and Faftors, may tranfport the 
Goods, Chatties, Armour, Munition, and Furniture, needful to 
be ufed by them, for their faid Apparel, Food, Defence, or 
otherwife in Refpe6l of the faid Plantations, out of our Realms 
of England and Ireland, and all other our Dominions, from 
time to ■ time, for and during the Time of feven Years, next en- 
fuing the Date hereof, for the better Relief of the faid feveral 
Colonies and Plantations, without any Cuftom, Subfidy, or other 
Duty, unto Us, our Heirs, or Succeflbrs, to be yielded or paid 
for the fame. 

XV. Also we do, for Us, our Heirs, and Succeflbrs, De- 
clare, by thefe Prefents, that all and every the Perfons, being 
our Subjefts, which fhall dwell and inhabit within every or any 
of the faid feveral Colonies and Plantations, and every of their 

\ Children, which fhall happen to be born within any of the Li- 
mits and Precinfts of the faid feveral Colonies and Plantations, 
fhall have and enjoy all Liberties, Franchifes, and Immunities, 
within any of our other Dominions, to all Intents and Purpofes, 
as if they had been abiding and born, within this our Realm 
of England, or any other of our faid Dominions. 

XVI. Moreover, our gracious Will and Pleafure is, and we 
do, by thefe Prefents, for Us, our Heirs, and Succeflbrs, declare 
and fet forth, that if any Perfon or Perfons, which fliall be of 
any of the faid Colonies and Plantations, or any other, which 
fhall traffick to the faid Colonies and Plantations, or any 
of them, fhall, at any time or times hereafter, tranfport any 
Wares, Merchandifes, or Commodities, out of any our Domini- 
ons, with a Pretence to land, fell, or otherwife difpofe of the 
fame, within any the Limits and Precinfts of any the faid Colo- 
nies and Plantations, and yet neverthelefs, being at Sea, or af- 
ter he hath landed the fame within any of the faid Colonies 
and Plantations, fhall carry the fame into any other foreign 
Country, with a Purpofe there to fell or difpofe of the fame, 
without the Licence of Us, our Heirs, and Succeflbrs, in that 
Behalf firft had and obtained ; That then, all the Goods and 
Chattels of fuch Perfon or Perfons, fo offending and tianfporting, 
together with the faid Ship or Veffel, wherein fuch Tranfporta- 
tion was made, fhall be forfeited to Us, our Heirs, and Suc- 
ceflbrs. 

XVII. Provided always, and our Will and Pleafure is, and 
we do hereby declare to all Chrijlian Kings, Princes, and States, 
that if any Perfon or Perfons, which fhall hereafter be of any 
of the faid feveral Colonies and Plantations, or any other, by his, 
their or any of their Licence and Appointment, fhall, at any 
time or times hereafter, rob or fpoil, by Sea or by Land, or do 

any 



K. James's firll Charter for Virginia, April lo, 1606. 

any Aft of unjuft and unlawful Hoftility, to any the Subjefts of 
Us, our Heirs, or Succeflbrs, or any the Subjefts of any King, 
Prince, Ruler, Governor, or State, being then in League or 
Amity with Us, our Heirs, or Succeflbrs, and that upon iuch 
Injury, or upon jufl Complaint of fuch Prince, Ruler, Gover- 
nor, or State, or their Subjefts, We, our Heirs, or Succeflbrs, 
fhall make open Proclamation, within any of the Ports of our 
Realm of England, commodious for that Purpofe, That the faid 
Perfon or Perfons, having committed any fuch Robbery or Spoil, 
fhall, within the Term to be limited by fuch Proclamations, make 
full Reftitution or Satisfaftion of all fuch Injuries done, fo as 
the faid Princes, or others, fo complaining, may hold themfelves 
fully fatisfied and contented; And that, if the faid rerfon or 
Perfons, having committed fuch Robbery or Spoil, fhall not 
make, or caufe to be made, Satisfaftion accordingly, within 
fuch Time fo to be limited. That then it fhall be lawful to Us, 
our Heirs, and SuccefTors, to put the faid Perfon or Perfons, 
having committed fuch Robbery or Spoil, and their Procurers, 
Abetters, or Comforters, out of our Allegiance and Proteftion ; 
And that it fhall be lawful and free, for all Princes and others, 
to purfue with Hoflility the faid Offenders, and every of them, 
and their and every of their Procurers, Aiders, Abetters, and 
Comforters, in that Behalf 

XVIII. And finally, we do, for Us, our Heirs, and Succef- 
fors. Grant and agree, to and with the faid Sir Thomas Gates, 
Sir George Somers, Richard Hackluit, and Edzoard-Maria Wing- 
jield, and all others of the faid firfl Colony, that We, our Heirs, 
and Succeflbrs, upon Petition in that Behalf to be made, fhall, 
by Letters-patent under the Great Seal of England, Give and 
Grant unto fuch Perfons, their Heirs, and Afligns, as the 
Council of that Colony, or the moft Part of them, fhall, for 
that Purpofe nominate and affign, all the Lands, Tenements, and 
Hereditaments, which fhall be within the Precinfts limited for 
thar Colony, as is aforefaid. To be holden of Us, our Heirs, 
and Succeflbrs, as of our Manor of Eajl-Greenzoich in the Coun- 
ty of Kent, in free and common Soccage only, and not in Ca- 
pite : 

XIX. And do, in like Manner, Grant and agree, for Us, 
our Heirs, and Succeflbrs, to and with the faid Thomas Hanham, 
Ralegh Gilbert, William Parker, and George Popham, and all 
others of the faid fecond Colony, that We, our Heirs, and Suc- 
cefTors, upon Petition in that Behalf to be made, fhall, by Let- 
ters-patent under the Great Seal of England, Give and Grant 
unto fuch Perfons, their Heirs, and Afligns, as the Council of 
that Colony, or the mofl: Part of them, fhall, for that Purpofe, 
nominate and affign, all the Lands, Tenements, and Heredita- 
ments, which fhall be within the Precinfts limited for that Colo- 
ny, as is aforefaid. To be holden of Us, our Heirs, and Suc- 
ceflbrs, as of our Manour of Eaji-Greenzvich in the County ot 
Kent, in free and common Soccage only, and not in Capite. 

XX. All which Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, fo 
to be pafTed by the faid feveral Letters-patent, fhall be fufficient 

A a 2 AfTurance 



K. James the I.'s fecond Charter to the 

Aflurance from the faid Patentees, fo diftributed and divided 
amongft the Undertakers for the Plantation of the faid feveral 
Colonies, and fuch as fhall make their Plantations in either of 
the faid feveral Colonies, in fuch Manner and Form, and for 
fuch Eftates, as fhall be ordered and fet down by the Council oi 
the faid Colony, or the moft Part of them, refpedively, within 
which the fame Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments fhall lye 
or be ; Although exprefs Mention of the true yearly Value or 
Certainty of the Premifes, or any of them, or of any other 
Gifts or Grants, by Us or any of our Progenitors or Predecef- 
fors, to the aforefaid Sir Thomas Gates, Knt. Sir George Somers, 
Knt. Richard Hackluit, Echvard-Mana Wingfleld, Thomas Han- 
ham, Raleigh Gilbert, William Parker, and George Popham, or 
any of them, heretofore made, in thefe Prefents, is not made; 
Or any Statute, Aft, Ordinance, or Provifion, Proclamation, or 
Reftraint, to the contrary hereof had, made, ordained, or any 
other Thing, Caufe, or Matter whatfoever, in any wife not- 
withflanding. In Witness whereof, we have cauled thefe our 
Letters to be made Patents ; Witnefs Ourfelf at Wejlminfter, the 
tenth Day of April, in the fourth Year of our Reign of England, 
France, and Ireland, and of Scotland the nine and thirtieth. 

Lukin 
Per breve de privato Stgillo, 



N°. II. 

King James the I.'s fecond Charter to the Treafurer and 
Company for Virginia, ereSiing them into a Corporation 
and Body Politick^ and for the further Enlargement and 
Explanation of the Privileges of the faid Company and 
firji Colony of Virginia. Dated May 23, 1609. 

I. '1 A MES,hy the Grace of God, King of England, Scotland, 
J France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith <J^c. To all, to 
whom thefe Prefents fhall come. Greeting. Whereas, at the 
humble Suit and Requefl of fundry our loving and well difpofed 
Subjefts, intending to deduce a Colony, and to make Habitation 
and Plantation of fundry our People, in that Part of America, com- 
monly called Virginia, and other Parts and Territories in Ame- 
rica, either appertaining unto Us, or which are not aftually pof- 
felTed of any Chri/han Prince or People, within certain Bounds and 
Regions, We have formerly by our Letters-patents, bearing 
Date the tenth Day of Api'il, in the fourth Year of our Reign 
of England, France, and Ireland, and of Scotland the nine and 
thirtieth. Granted to Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Somers, and 
others, for the more fpeedy Accomplifhment of the faid Planta- 
tion and Habitation, that they fhould divide themfelves into 
two Colonies (the one confifling of divers Knights, Gentlemen, 
Merchants, and others, of our City of London, called the first 

Co- 



Treafurer and Company for Virginia, May 23, 1609. 

Colony; And the other confifting of divers Knights, Gen- 
tlemen, and others, of our Cities of Brijlol, Exeter, and Town 
of Plimouth, and other Places, called the second Colony) 
And have yielded and granted many and fundry Privileges and 
Liberties to each Colony, for their quiet Settling and good Go- 
vernment therein, as by the faid Letters-patents more at large 
appeareth : 

II. Now, forafmuch as divers and fundry of our loving Sub- 
jefts, as well Adventurers, as Planters, of the faid firft Colony, 
which hare already engaged themfelves in furthering the Bufi- 
nefs of the faid Colony and Plantation, and do further intend, 
by the Affiftance of Almighty God, to profecute the fame to a 
happy End, have of late been humble Suitors unto us, that (in 
Refpedl of their great Charges and the Adventure of many of 
their Lives, which they have hazarded in the faid Difcovery and 
Plantation of the faid Country) We would be pleafed to grant 
them a further Enlargement and Explanation of the faid Grant, 
Privileges, and Liberties, and that fuch Counfellors, and other 
Officers, may be appointed amongft them, to manage and direft 
their Affairs, as are willing and ready to adventure with them, 
as alfo whofe Dwellings are not fo far remote from the City of 
Lo7idon, but that they may, at convenient Times, be ready at 
hand, to give their Advice and Affiftance, upon all Occaiions 
requifite. 

III. We, greatly afFefting the effeftual Profecution and happy 
Succefs of the faid Plantation, and commending their good De- 
fires therein, for their further Encouragement in accomplifhing fo 
excellent a Work, much pleafmg to God, and profitable to our 
Kingdom, Do, of our fpecial Grace, and certain Knowledge, 
and mere Motion, for Us, our Heirs, and Succeflbrs, Give, 
Grant, and C o n f i r m , to our trufty and well beloved Subjeds, 
Robert, Earl of Salifhury^ Thomas, Earl of Suffolk, Henry, Earl 
of Southampton, iVilliam, Earl of Pembroke, Henry, Earl of 
Lincoln, Earl of Dorfet, Thomas, Earl of Exeter, Philip, Earl of 
Montgomery, Robert, Lord Vifcount Li/le, Theophilus, Lord 
Hozvard of Walden, James Montague, Lord Bifhop of Bath and 
Wells, Edward, Lord Zouche, Thomas, Lord Lawarr, William^ 
Lord Mounteagle, Ralph, Lord Ezvre, Edmond, Lord Sheffield, 
Grey, Lord Chandois, Lord Compton, John, Lord Petre, Johuy 
Lord Stanhope, George, Lord Carezv, Sir Humphrey Weld, Lord 
Mayor of London, George Percie, Efq; Sir Edward Cecil, Knt. 
Sir George Wharton, Knt. Francis Weji, Efq; Sir William Wade, 
Knt. Sir Henry Nevil, Knt. Sir Thomas Smith, Knt. Sir Oliver 
Cromwell, Knt. Sir Peter Manwood, Knt. Sir Drue Drury, Knt. 
Sir John Scot, Knt. Sir Thomas Challoner, Knt. Sir Robert Drury, 
Knt. Sir Anthony Cope, Knt. Sir Horatio Fere, Knt. Sir Edward 
Conway, Knt. Sir William Brown, Knt. Sir Maurice Berkeley, 
Knt. Sir Robert Manfel, Knt. Sir Annas Prejlon, Knt. Sir Tho- 
mas Gates, Knt. Sir Anthony Ajidy, Knt. Sir Michael Sandys, 
Knt. Sir Henry Carey, Knt. Sir Stephen Soame, Knt. Sir Calif- 
thenes Brooke, Knt. Sir Edward Michelborn, Knt. Sir John Rat- 
cliffe, Knt. Sir Charles Wilmot, Knt. Sir George moor, Knt. 

48 Sir 



10 K. James the I.'s fecond Charter to the 

Sir Hugh W'irral, Knt. Sir Thomas Dennis, Knt. Sir John Holies, 
Knt. Sir William Godolphin, Knt. Sir Thomas Monfon, Knt. Sir 
Thomas Ridgwine, Knt. Sir John Brooke, Knt. Sir Robert Killi- 
grew, Knt. Sir Henry Peyton, Knt. Sir Richard Williamfon, Knt. 
Sir Ferdinando IFeynman, Knt. Sir William St. John, Knt. Sir 
Thomas Holcrqft, Knt. Sir John Mallory, Knt. Sir Roger AJhton, 
Knt. Sir Walter Cope, Knt. Sir Richard ^igmore. Knight, 
Sir William Coke, Knight, Sir Herbert Crofte, Knt. Sir Henry 
Fanfliaw, Knt. Sir John Smith, Knt. Sir Francis Wolley, Knt. Sir 
Edward Waterhoufe, Knt. Sir Henry Seekford, Knt. * Sir Edwin 
Sandys, Knt. Sir Thomas Waynam, Knt. Sir John Trevor, Knt. 
Sir Warwick Heele, Knt. Sir Robert Wroth, Knt, Sir /^/^^ Town- 
Jend, Knt. Sir Chrijlopeer Perkins, Knt. Sir Daniel Dun, Knt. Sir 
Henry Hobart, Knt. Sir Francis Bacon, Knt. Sir Henry Montague, 
Knt. Sir George Coppin, Knt. Sir Samuel Sandys, Knt. Sir Thomas 
Roe, Knt. Sir George Somers, Knt. Sir Thomas Freake, Knt. Sir 
Thomas Harwell, Knt. Sir Charles Kelke, Knt. Sir Baptiji Hicks, 
Knt. Sir ^fAra Watts, Knt. Sir Robert Carey, Knt. Sir William 
Romney, Knt. Sir Thomas Middleton, Knt. Sir Hatton Cheeke, Knt. 
Sir 7(3A« t'^/ff, Knt. Sir Cavallero Meycot, Knt. Sir Stephen Rid- 
dlejdon, Knt. Sir Thomas Bludder, Knt. Sir Anthony Aucher, Knt. 
Sir Robert John/on, Knt. Sir Thomas Panton, Knt. Sir Charles 
Morgan, Knt. Sir Stephen Pole, Knt. Sir ^^^/m Burlacie, Knt. Sir 
Chrijiopher Cleave, Knt. Sir George Hayward, Knt. Sir Thomas 
Davis, Knt. Sir Thomas Sutton, Knt. Sir Anthony Forejl, Knt. Sir 
Robert Payne,Knt. Sir ^oA/z Digby, Knt. Sir Dudley Digges, Knt. 
Sir Rowland Cotton, Knt. Dr. Matthew Sutcliffe, Dr. Meadows, 
Dr. Turner, Dr. Pt»<', Capt. Pagnam, Capt. Jeffrey Holcrofte, 
Captain Romney, Captain Henry Spry, Captain 'bhelton. Captain 
Sparks, Captain Thomas Wyat, Captain Brinjly, Captain William 
Courtney, Captain Herbert, Captain Clarke, Captain Dewhurjl, 
Captain ^o/i« Blundell, Captain Fryer, Captain Lewis Orwell, 
Captain Edward Loyd, Captain Slingejby, Captain Hawley, Cap- 
tain Orme, Captain Woodhoufe, Captain Mafon, Captain Thomas 
Holcroft, Captain John Coke, Captain Holies, Captain William 
Proude, Czptam Henry WoodhouJe,Czpt?L\n Richard Linde fey. Cap- 
tain Dexter, Captain William Winter, Captain Pearfe', Captain 
John Bingham, Captain Burray, Captain Thomas Conway, Cap- 
tain Rookwood, Captain William Lovelace, Captain John AJhley, 
Captain Thomas Wynne,Q.z^x.zva. Thomas MewtiSjd'ptzva. Edzvard 
Harwood, Captain Michael Everard, Captain Comock, Captain 
Mills, Captain Pigot, Captain Edzuard-Maria Wingjield, Captain 

♦ The Adventurers Names are vaftly confiifed and different in the different 
M. S. Copies of this Charter. I chofe the two faireft and moft corred Copies, 
that I had met with, to tranfcribe this from ; and altho* they both agree in 
writing this Name, Sir Edivard Sands, or Sandis, yet they are both certainly 
wrong, as might be eafily proved, were it worth while, and would not be too 
tedious. I was alfo much puzzled to adjuft and fet right others of the Names ; 
and altho' I was at no fmall Pains in collating the Copies, and in confulting 
and referring to other ancient Letters Patents and Papers, yet I will not affirm 
that I am not often miftaken. But however erroneous and perplexed the Names 
of the Adventurers may be, yet I found the main Body, and material Parts, of 
the Charter, very clear, full, and correft. 

Chrijiopher 



Treafurer and Company for Virginia, May 23, 1609. u 

Chriliopher Newport, Captain yokn Sicklemore, alias Ratclijfe, 
Captain John Smith, Captain John Martin, Captain Peter Wynne, 
Captain JValdoe, Captain Thomas IFood, Captain Thomas Button, 
George Bolls, Efq; Sheriff of London, William Crajhaw, Clerk, 
Batchelor of Divinity, JVilliam Seabnght, ECc^; Chrijiojjher Brooke, 
Efq; John Bingley, Efq; Thomas Watfon, Efq; Richard Percival, 
Efq; John Moore, Efq; Hugh Brooker, Efq; David Woodhoufe, 
Efq; Anthony Aucher, Efq; Robert Bozvyer, Efq; Ralph Ezvens, 
Efq; Zachary Jones, Efq; George Calveh, Efq; William Dobjon, 
Efq; Henry Reynolds, '^{({■i Thomas Walker, E'iq^; Anthony Barnars, 
Efq; Thomas Sandys, Efq; Henry Sandys, Efq; Richard Sandys, 
Efq; Son of Sir Edwin Sandys, William Oxenbridge, Efq; John 
Moore, Efq; Thomas Wilfon, Efq; John Bullock, Efq; John Waller, 
Efq; Thomas Webb, Jehu Robin/on, William Brezujter, Robert E- 
velyn, Henry Danby, Richard 'Hacklint, Minifter, John Eldred, 
Merchant, William Ruffel, Merchant, John Merrick, Merchant, 
Richard Banjjier, Merchant, Charles Anthony, Goldfmith, John 
Banks, William Evans, Richard Humble, Richard Chambertayne, 
Merchant, Thomas Barber, Merchant, Richard Pomet, Merchant, 
John Fletcher, Merchant, Thomas Nicholls, Merchant, ^^/z« Stoke, 
Merchant, Gabriel Archer, Francis Covel, William Bonham, Ed- 
ward Harrifon, John Woljienholme, Nicholas Salter, Hugh Evans, 
William Barnes, Otho Mawdet, Richard Staper, Merchant, John 
Elkin, Merchant, William Coyje, Thomas Perkin, Cooper, Hum- 
bhry James, Cooper, Henry Jackjon, Robert Singleton, Chrijlopher 
Nicholls, John Harper, Abrahatn Chamberlayne, Thomas Shipton, 
Thomas Carpenter, Anthony Crew, George Holman, Robert Hill, 
Cleophas Smith, Ralph Harrifon, John Farmer, James Brearley, 
William Cro/bv, Richard Cox, John Gearing, Richard Strongarm, 
Ironmongers, Thomas Langton, Griffith Hinton, Richard IronJ/de, 
Richard Dean, Richard Turner, William Lazjon, Mercer, fames 
Chatfield, Edward Allen Tedder, Robert Hildebrand Sprinfon, Ar- 
thur Moufe, John Gardiner, James Ruffel, Richard Cafwell, Rich- 
ard Evans, John Hawkins, Richard Kerril, Richard Brooke, Mat- 
thew Scrivener, Gentleman, Willia^n Stallenge, Gentleman, Ar- 
thur Venn, Gentleman, Sandys Webbe, Gentleman, Michael Phet- 
tiplace. Gentleman, William Phettiplace, Gentleman, Ambroje 
Prnjey, Gentleman, John Taverner, Gentleman, George Pretty, 
•Gentleman, Peter Latham, Gentleman, Thomas Montjord, Gen- 
tleman, William Cantrel, Gentleman, Richard Wiffin, Gentleman, 
Ralph Moreton, Gentleman, John Cornelius, Martin Freeman, 
Ralph Freeman, Andrezu Moore, Thomas White, Edward Perkin, 
Robert OJfley, Thomas Whitley, George Pit, Robert Parkhurjl, Tho- 
mas Morris, Peter Harloe, Jeffry Duppa, John Gilbert, William 
Hancock, Mntthezo Brozun, Francis Tyrrel, Randal Carter, Otho- 
well Smith, Thomas Hamond, Martin Bond, Haberdafher, John 
Moulfoe, Robert John/on, William Young, John Woodal, William 
Felgate, Humfrey Wejlwood, Rcihard Champion, Henry Robinjon, 
Francis Mapes, William Sambach, Ralegh Crajhaw, Daniel Tucker, 
Thomas Grave, Hugh Willejion, Thomas Culpepper, ofWigfel, Efq; 
John Culpepper, Gentleman, Henry Lee, Jofias Kirton, Gentleman, 
John Pory, Gentleman, Henry Collins, George Burton, William 
IP Atkinfon, 



12 K. James the I.'s lecond Charter to the 

Atkinfon, Thomas Forejl, John RuJJel, John Holt, Hannan Har- 
rijon, Gabriel Beedel, John Bcedel, Henry Dawkes, George Scot,^ 
Edward Fleetv)ood, Gentleman, Richard Rogers, Gentleman, Jr-~ 
thur Robinfon, Robert Robinf on, John Huntley, John Gray, Wil- 
liam Payne, William Field, William Wattey, William Webjier, 
John Dingley, Thomas Draper, Richard Glanvil, Arnold Hulls, 
Henry Roe, William More, Nicholas Gryce, James Monger, Ni- 
cholas Andrews, Jeremy Haydon, Ironmonger, Philip Durette, 
John Ouarles, John Weji, Matthew Springham, John Johnfon, 
Chrijlopher Hore, Thomas Snead, George Berkeley, Arthur Pet, 
Thomas Careles, William Berkeley, Thomas Johnfon, Alexander 
Bents, Captain William King, George Sandys, Gentleman, James 
'^hite. Gentleman, Edmond Wynne, Charles Towler, Richard Rey- 
nold, Edzuard 'Webb, Richard Maplejden, Thomas Lever, David 
Bourne, Thomas 'Wood, Ralph Hamer, Edward Barnes, Mercer, 
John bright, Mercer, Robert Middleton, Edward Littlefield, Ka- 
tharine ^ejl, Thomas Web, Ralph King, Robert Coppin, James Af- 
kew, Chrijiopher Holt, 'William Bardwell, Alexander Chiles, Lewis 
Tate, Edward Ditchjield, James Swifte, Richard Widdozves, Gold- 
{m\th,EdmondBrudenell,EdwardBurwell,JohnHansJord,Edward 
Wooller, 'William Palmer, Haberdafher,^^'//^ Badger, John Hodg- 
fon, Peter Mounfel, John Carnl, John Bujhndge, Wm. Dun, Tho- 
m.as Johnjon, Nicholas Benfon, Thomas Shipton, Nathaniel Wade, 
Randal 'Wetwood, Matthew Dequejler, Charles Hawkins, Hugh 
Hamer/ley, Abraham Cartwnght, George Bennet, 'William Cater, 
Richard Goddart, Henry Cromwell, Phineas Pet, Robert Cooper, 
John Cooper, Henry Newce, Edzuard 'Wilkes, Robert Bateman, Ni- 
cholas Farrar, John Newhoufe, John Cafon, Tho mas Harris , Gen- 
tleman, George Etheridge, Gentleman, 1 hoj?ids~Mayle, Gentleman, 
Richard Stafford, Thomas , Richard Cooper, John 'We/- 

irozv, Edzvard 'Welch, Thomas Britain, Thomas Knowles, Otta- 
vian Thome, Edmond Smith, John March, Edward Carew, Tho- 
mas Pleydall, Richard Let, Miles Palmer, Henry Price, John Jo- 
JJiua, Gentleman, 'William Clauday, Jeremy earjye, John Bree, 
Gentleman, 'William Hampfon, Chrijiopher Pickford, Thomas Hunt, 
Thomas Trujlon, Chrijiopher Salmon, John Howard, Clerk, Rich- 
ard Partridge, Allen Cajjen, Felix^ilfon, Thomas BathurJi;George 
'Wilmer, Andrew 'Wilmer, Maurice Lewellin, Thomas Godzcin, 
Peter Burgoyne, Thomas Burgoyne, Robert Burgoyne,Robert Smith, 
Merchant-taylor, Edward Cage, Grocer, Thomas Cannon, Gen- 
tleman, William Welby, Stationer, Clement Kilmer, Gentleman, 
John Clapham, Gentleman, Giles Francis, Gentleman, George 
'Walker, Sadler, John Swinhow, Stationer, Edward Bi/hop, Sta- 
tioner, Leonard White, Gentleman, Chrijiopher Baron, Peter Ben- 
fon, Richard Smith, George Procior, Minifter, Millicent Ram/den, 
Widow, Jojeph Soane, Thomas HinJliaWy John Baker, Robert 
Thornton, John Davis, Edward Facet, George Newce, Gentleman, 
John Robinfon, Captain Thomas Wood, William Brown, Shoema- 
ker, Robert Barker, Shoemaker, Robert Pennington, Francis Bur- 
ley, Minifter, William Qiiick, Grocer, Edward Lewis, Grocer, 
Laurence Campe, Draper, Aden Verkins, Grocer, Richard Shepherd, 
Preacher, William Sherley, Haberdafher, William Taylor, Haber- 

dafher. 



Treafurer and Company for Virginia, May 23, 1 609. 1 3 

dafher, Edwin Lukin, Gentleman, yohn Franklyn, Haberdafher, 
John Soutkiiick, Peter Peate, George Johan, Ironmonger, George 
Yeardley, Gentleman, Henry Shelley, John Prat, Thomas Church, 
Draper, William Powel, Gentleman, Richard Frith, Gentleman, 
Thomas IVheeler, Draper, Francis Hafelng, Gentleman, Hiigli 
Shipley, Gentleman, John Andrews the Elder, Dodor of Cam- 
bridge, Francis Whijiler, Gentleman, John VaJJ'al, Gentleman, 
Richard Howie, Edward Berkeley, Gentleman, Richard Keneridg- 
burg. Gentleman, Nicholas Exton, Draper, William Bennet, Filh- 
monger, James Haywood^ Merchant, Nicholas IJaac, Merchant, 
William Gibbs, Merchant, Bifliop, Bernard Mitchel, IJaac 

Mitchel, John Streate, Edward Gall, John Martin, Gentleman, 
Thomas Fox, Luke Lodge, John Woodliffe, Gentleman, Richard 
Webb, Vincent Low, Samuel Burnham, Edmund Pears, Haber- 
dafher, John Googe, John St. John, Edward Vaughan, William 
Dunn, Thomas Alcocke, John Andrews the Younger, of Cam- 
bridge, Samuel Smith, Thomas Gerrard, Thomas Whittingham, 
William Canning, Paul Canning, George Chandler, Henry Vincent, 
Thomas Ketley, James Skelton, James Mountaine, George Webb, 
Gentleman, Jojeph Newbridge, Smith, Jofiah Mand, Cap- 
tain Ralph Hamer, the Younger, Edward Brew/ler, the Son of 
William Bre~a)jler, Leonard Harwood, Mercer, Philip Druerdent, 
William Carpenter, Trijhan Hill, Robert Cock, Grocer, Laurence 
Green, Grocer, Samuel Winch, Grocer, Humphrey Stile, Grocer, 
Averie Dransfield, Grocer, Edward Hodges, Grocer, Edward 
Beale, Grocer, Thomas Culler, Grocer, Ralph Bujhy, Grocer, 
John Whittingham, Grocer, John Hide, Grocer, Matthew 
Shepherd, Grocer, Thomas Allen, Grocer, Richard Hooker, Gro- 
cer, Lawrence Munks, Grocer, John Tanner, Grocer, Peter 
Gate, Grocer, John Blunt, Grocer, Robert Phips, Grocer, Ro- 
bert Berrisjord, Grocer, Thomas Wells, Grocer, John Ellis, 
Grocer, Henry Coltliurjt, Grocer, John Cavady, Grocer, Thomas 
Jennings, Grocer, Edmond Pajhall, Grocer, Timothy Bathurji, 
Grocer, Giles Parjlow, Grocer, Robert Mihnay, Grocer, Richard 
Johnfon, Grocer, William Jolinfon, Vintner, Ezekiel Smith, 
Richard Martin, William Sharpe, Robert Rich, William Stan- 
nard, Innholder, John Stocken, William Strachey, Gentleman, 
George Faryner, Gentleman, Thomas Gypes, Clothworker, Abra- 
ham Dames, Gentleman, Thomas Brocket, Gentleman, George 
Bache, Fifhmonger, John Dike, Fifhmonger, Henry Spranger, 
Richard Farrington, Chrijiopher Vertue, Vintner, Thomas Bay ley , 
Vintner, George Robins, Vintner, Tobias Hinfon, Grocer, Vnan 
Spencer, Clement Chicheley, John Scarpe, Gentleman, James 
Campbell, Ironmonger, Chrijiopher Clitheroe, Ironmonger, Philip 
Jacobfon, Peter Jacobfon, of Antwerp, William Berkeley, Miles 
Banks, Cutler, Peter ^Higgons, Grocer, Henry John, Gentleman, 
John Stokeley, Merchant-taylor, The Company of Mercers, the 
Company of Grocers, the Company of Drapers, the Company 
Fiflimongers, the Company of Goldfmiths, the Company of 
Skinners, the Company of Merchant-taylers, the Company of 
Haberdafhers, the Company of Salters, the Company of Iron- 
mongers, the Company of Vintners, the Company Clothworkers, 
^9 B b the 



14 K. James the I.'s fecond Charter to the 

the Company of Dyers, the Company of Brewers, the Company 
of Leatherfellers, the Company of Pewterers, the Company of 
Cutlers, the Company of Whitebakers, the Company of Wax- 
Chandlers, the Company of Tallow-Chandlers, the Company of 
Armorers, the Company of Girdlers, the Company of Butchers, 
the Company of Sadlers, the Company of Carpenters, the Com- 
pany of Cordwayners, the Company of Barber-Chirurgeons, the 
Company of Paintftainers, the Company of Curriers, the Com- 
pany of Mafons, the Company of Plumbers, the Company In- 
holders, the Company of Founders, the Company of Poulterers, 
the Company of Cooks, the Company of Coopers, the Company 
of Tylers and Bricklayers, the Company of Bowyers, the Com- 
pany ol Fletchers, the Company of Blackfmiths, the Company 
of Joinei-s, the Company of Weavers, the Company of VVool- 
men, the Company of Woodmongers, the Company of Scrive- 
ners, the Company of Fruiterers, the Company of Plaiflers, the 
Company of Brownbakers, the Company of Stationers, the 
Company of Imbroiderers, the Company of Upholfters, the 
Company of Muficians, the Company of Turners, the Com- 
pany of Gardiners, the Company of Bafketmakers, the Com- 
pany of Glaziers, John Levet, Merchant, Thomas Normcot, Cloth- 
worker, Richard Venn, Haberdafher, Tho-ma_s_jScpi, Gentleman, 
Thomas Juxon,Mexchznx.<zy\or,G€orge ffiviTinfon, Thmnas Seyer, 
Gentleman, Matthew Cooper, George Butler, Gentleman, Thomas 
Lawfon, Gentleman, Edward Smith, Haberdafher, Stephen Spar- 
row, John Jones, Merchant, Reynolds, Brewer, Thomas 
Plnmmer, Merchant, James Diippa, Brewer, Rozuland Coitmore, 
William Southerne, George Wfnimore, Haberdafher, A?ithony Gof- 
nold, the Younger, John Allen, Fifhmonger, Simon Yeomans, 
Fifhmonger, Lancelot Davis, Gentlemen, John Hopkins, Alder- 
man of Bnjlol, John Kettleby, Gentleman, Richard Clene, Gold- 
fmith, George Hooker, Gentleman, Robert Chening, Yeoman ; 
A N D to fuch, and fo many, as they do, or fliall hereafter, ad- 
mit to be joined with them, in Form hereafter in thefe Prefents 
exprefTed, whether they go in their Perfons, to be Planters there 
in the faid Plantation, or whether they go not, but adventure 
their Monies, Goods, or Chattels ; that they fhall be one 
Body or Commonalty perpetual, and fhall have perpetual Suc- 
ceflion, and one Common Seal, to itrvc for the faid Body or 
Commonalty ; And that they, and their SuccefTors, Ihall be 
Known, called, and incorporated by the Name of. The 
Treafurer and Company of Adventurers and Planters of the City of 
London for the fir )t Colony in Virginia : 

IV. And that they, and their SuccefTors, fhall be, from hence- 
forth, for ever enabled to take, acqj;ire, and purchase, 
by the Name aforefaid (Licence for the fame, from Us, our 
Heirs or Succeffors, firft had and obtained) any Manner of Lands, 
Tenements, and Hereditaments, Goods, and Chattels, within 
our Realm oi England, and Dominion of Wales : 

V. And that they, and their SuccefTors, fliall likewife be ena- 
bled, by the Name aforefaid, to plead, and be impleaded, 
before any of our Judges or Juflices, in any of our Courts, and 
in any Adtions or Suits whatfoever. VI. 



Treafurerand Company for Virginia, May 23, 1609 l^ 

VI. And we do alfo, of our fpecial Grace, certain Knowledge, 
and mere Motion, give, grant, and confirm, unto the faid 
Treafurer and Company, and their Succeflbrs, under the Refer* 
vations. Limitations^ and Declarations, hereafter expreffed, all 
thofe Lands, Countries, and Territories, fituate, lying, and be* 
ing, in that Part of y:/;?2enra called V i rgi n i a, from the Point 
of Land, called Cape or Fomi Covifort, all along the Sea Coaftj 
to the Nortkzvard two hundred Miles, and from the faid Point of 
Cape Comjort, all along the Sea Coaft, to the Southward two hun- 
dred Miles, and all that Space and Circuit of Land, lying from 
the Sea Coaft of the Precind; aforefaid, up into the Land, through- 
out from Sea to Sea, IVtjU and Northzveji; And alfo all the If- 
lands, lying within one hundred Miles, along the Coaft of both 
Seas of the Precind aforefaid ; Together with all the Soils, 
Grounds^ Havens, and Ports, Mines, as well Royal Mines of Gold 
and Silver, as other Minerals, Pearls, and precious Stones, Quar- 
ries, Woods, Rivers, Waters, Fifhings, Commodities, Jurifdidi- 
ons. Royalties, Privileges, Franchifes, and Preheminences, within 
the faid Territories, and the Precinfts thereof, whatfoever, and 
thereto and thereabouts, both by Sea and Land, being* or in any 
fort belonging or appertaining, and which We, by our Letters 
Patents, may or Can grant, in as ample Manner and Sort, as We, 
or any our noble Progenitors, have heretofore granted to any 
Company, Body politick or corporate, or to any Adventurer, or 
Adventurers, Undertaker or Undertakers, of any Difcoveries, 
Plantations, or Traffick, of in or into any foreign Parts whatfo- 
ever, and in as large and ample Manner, as if the fame were 
herein particularly mentioned and expreffed ; To have and to 
HOLD, poflefs and enjoy, all and fmgular the faid Lands, Coun- 
tries, and Territories, with all and fmgular other the Premifes, 
heretofore by thefe Prefents granted, or mentioned to be granted, 
to them, the faid Treafurer and Company, their Succeftbrs and 
Affigns for ever; To the fole and proper Ufe of them, the faid 
Treafurer and Company, their Succeftbrs and Affigns for ever; 
To BE HOLDENof Us, our Hcirs, and SuccefTors, as of our Ma- 
nour of Kalf-Greenzcich, in free and common Soccage, and not 
in Capite ; Yielding and paying, therefore, to Us, our Heirs, 
and SuccefTors, the fifth Part only of all Ore of Gold and Silver, 
that, from time to time, and at all times hereafter, fliall be there 
gotten, had, or obtained, for all Manner of Services. 

VIL And neverthelefs, our Will and Pleafure is, and we do, 
by thefe Prefents, charge, command, warrant, and authorife, 
that the faid Treafurer and Company, or their Succeflbrs, or the 
major Part of them, which fhall be prefent and afTembled for that 
Purpofe, fhall, from time to time, under their Common Seal, 
Distribute, convey, affign, and fet over, fuch particular Por- 
tions of Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, by thefe Prefents, 
formerly granted, unto fuch our loving Subjeds, naturally born, 
or Denizens, or others, as well Adventurers as Planters, as by the 
faid Company (upon a Commiffion of Survey and Diftribution, 
executed and returned for that Purpofe) fhall be nominated, ap- 
pointed, and allowed; Wherein our Will and Pleafure is, that 
B b 2 Rcfpea 



i6 K. James the I.'s fecond Charter to the 

Refpedl be had, as well of the Proportion of the Adventurer, as 
to the fpecial Service, Hazard, Exploit, or Merit of any Perfon, 
fo to be recompenced, advanced, or rewarded. 

VIII. And forafmuch, as the good and profperous Succefs of 
the faid Plantation cannot but chiefly depend, next under the 
Bleffing of God, and the Support of our Royal Authority, upon 
the provident and good Direftion of the whole Enterprize, by 
a careful and underilanding Council, and that it is not conve- 
nient, that all the Adventurers fhall be fo often drawn to meet 
and aflemble, as fhall be requifite for them to have Meetings and 
Conference about the Affairs thereof; Therefore we do ordain, 
eftablifh, and confirm, that there fhall be perpetually one Coun- 
c I L here refident, according to the Tenour of our former Let- 
ters-patents ; Which Council fhall have a Seal, for the better 
Government and Adminiftration of the faid Plantation, befides 
the legal Seal of the Company or Corporation, as in our former 
Letters-patents is alfo exprefled. 

IX. And further, we establish and ordain, that Henry, 
Earl of Southampton, William, Earl of Pembroke, Henry, Earl of 
Lincoln, Thomas, Earl of Exeter, Robert, Lord Vifcount Lijle, 
Lord Theopliilus Howard, James, Lord Bifhop oi Bath and Wells, 
Edward, Lord Zouche, Thomas, Lord Lazvarr, William, Lord 
Hionteagle, Edmond, Lord Sheffield, Grey, Lord Chandois, John, 
Lord Stanhope, George, Lord Carew, Sir Humfrey, Weld, Lord 
Mayor of London, Sir Edzvard Cecil, Sir William Wade, Sir 
Henry Nevil, Sir Thomas Smith, Sir Oliver Cromwell, Sir Feter 
Manwood, Sir Thomas Challoner, Sir Henry Hobart, Sir Francis 
Bacon, Sir George Coppin, Sir John Scot, Sir Henry Carey, Sir 
Robert Drnry, Sir Horatio Vere, Sir Edward Conway, Sir Mau- 
rice Berkeley, Sir Thomas Gates, Sir Michael Sandys Sir Robert 
Manjel, Sir John Trevor, Sir Amias Frejion, Sir William Godol- 
phin. Sir Walter Cope, Sir Robert Killigrew, Sir Henry Fanjhaw, 
Sir Edwin Sandys, Sir John Watts, Sir Henry Montague, Sir 
William Romney, Sir Thomas Roe, Sir Baptiji Hicks, Sir Richard 
Williamfon, Sir Stephen Foole, Sir Dudley Digges, Chrijlopher 
Brooke, Efq; John Eldred, and John Woljlenholme, fhall' be our 
Council for the faid Company of Adventurers and Planters in 
Virginia. 

X. And the faid Sir Thomas Smith we do ordain to be Trea- 
furer of the faid Company ; which Treafurer fhall have Authority 
to give Order, for the Warning of the Council, and fummoning 
the Company, to their Courts and Meetings. 

XI. And the faid Council and Treafurer, or any of 
them, fhall be from henceforth, nominated, chofcn, continued, 

I difplaced, changed, altered, and fupplied, as Death, or other 
feveral Occafions, fhall require, out of the Company of the faid 
j Adventurers, by the Voice of the greater Part of the faid Com- 
\ pany and Adventurers, in their Aflembly for that Purpofe : 
Provided always, that every Counfellor, fo newly eledled, fhall 
be prefented to the Lord Chancellor of England, or to the Lord 
High Treafurer of England, or to the Lord Chamberlain of the 
Houfehold of Us, our Heirs, and SuccefTors, for the time being, 

to 



Treafurer and Company for Virginia, May 23, 1609. 17 

to take his Oath of a Counfellor to Us, our Heirs, and Succef- 
fors, for the faid Company of Adventurers and Colony in Vir- 
ginia. 

XII. And we do, by thefe Prefents, of our fpecial Grace, 
certain Knowledge, and mere Motion, for Us, our Heirs and 
Succeffbrs, Grant unto the faid Treafurer and Company, and 
their Succeffbrs, that if it happen, at any time or times, the 
Treafurer for the time being to be fick, or to have any fuch 
Caufe of Abfence from the City of London, as fhall be allowed by 
the faid Council, or the greater Part of them, aflembled, fo as 
he cannot attend the Affairs of that Company, in every fuch Cafe, 
it fhall and may be lawful for fuch Treafurer for the time being, 
to aflign, conflitute and appoint, one of the Council or Company, 
to be likewife allowed by the Council, or the greater Part of them, 
afTembled, to be the Deputy Treafurer of the faid Company; 
Which Deputy fhall have Power, to do and execute all things, 
which belong to the faid Treafurer, during fuch time, as fuch 
Treafurer fhall be either fick, or otherwife abfent upon Caufe al- 
lowed of by the faid Council, or the major Part of them, as a- 
forefaid, fo fully and wholly, and in as large and ample Manner 
and Form, to all Intents and Purpofes, as the faid Treafurer, if 
he were prefent, himfelf might or could do and execute the fame. 

XIII. And further, of our fpecial Grace, certain Knowledge, 
and mere Motion, for Us, our Heirs, and SuccefTors, we do, by 
thefe Prefents, Give and Grant full Power and Authority to 
our faid Council, here refident, as well at this prefent Time, as 
hereafter from time to time, to nominate, make, conflitute, or- 
dain, and confirm, by fuch Name or Names, Stile or Stiles, as 
to them fhall feem good. And likewife to revoke, difcharge, 
change, and alter, as well all and fingular Governors, Officers, 
and Miniflers, which already have been made, as alfo which 
hereafter fhall be by them thought fit and needful to be made or 
ufed, for the Government of the faid Colony and Plantation : 

XIV. And alfo to make, ordain, and eftablifh all Manner of 
Orders, Laws, Diredions, Inftruftions, Forms, and Ceremonies 
of Government and Magiflracy, fit and necelTary, for and con- 
cerning the Government of the faid Colony and Plantation ; And \ 
the fame, at all times hereafter, to abrogate, revoke, or change, 

not only within the Precinfts of the faid Colony, but alfo upon 
the Seas in going and coming, to and from the faid Colony, as 
they, in their good Difcretion, fhall think to be fitteft for the 
Good of the Adventurers and Inhabitants there. 

XV. And we do alfo declare, that, for divers Reafons and 
Confiderations us thereunto efpecially moving, our Will and 
Pleafure is, and we do hereby Ordain, that immediately from 
and after fuch time, as any fuch Governor or principal Officer, fo 
to be nominated and appointed, by our faid Council, for the Go- 
vernment of the faid Colony, as aforefaid, fhall arrive in Virgi- 
nia, and give Notice unto the Colony there refident of our Plea- 
fure in this Behalf, the Government, Power, and Authority of the 
Prefident and Council, heretofore by our former Letters Patents 
there eflablifhed, and all Laws and Conftitutions, by them for- 
merly 



l8 King James the I.'s fecond Charter to the 

merly made, (hall utterly ceafe and be determined. And all Offi- 
cer?, Governors, and Minifters, formerly conftituted or appointed, 
fhall be difcharged, any thing, in our laid former Letters Patents 
concerning the faid Plantation contained, in any wife to the con- 
trary notwithftanding ; Straightly charging and commanding the 
Prefident and Council, now refident in the faid Colony, upon 
their Allegiance, after Knowledge given unto them of our Will 
and Pleafure, by thefe Prefents fignified and declared, that they 
forthwith be obedient to fuch Governor or Governors, as by our 
faid Council, here refident, fhall be named and appointed, as a- 
forefaid, and to all Direftions, Orders, and Commandments, 
which they fhall receive from them, as well in the prefent Refign- 
ing and Giving up of their Authority, Offices, Charge, and Places, 
as in all other Attendance, as fhall be by them, from time to 
time, required. 

XVI. And we do further, by thefe Prefents, Ordain and 
eftablifh, that the faid Treafurer and Council here refident, 
and their Succeflbrs, or any four of them, being afTembled (the 
Treafurer being one) fliall, from time to time, have full Power 
and Authority, to admit and receive any other Perfon into their 
Company, Corporation, and Freedom ; And further, in a Gene- 
ral AfTembly of the Adventurers, with the Confent of the greater 
Part, upon good Caufe, to disfranchife and put out any Perfon 
or Perfons, out of the faid Freedom and Company. 

XVII. And we do alfo Grant and confirm, for Us, our 
Heirs and SuccefTors, that it fhall be lawful for the faid Treafu- 
rer and Company, and their SuccefTors, by Diredion of the Go- 
vernors there, to dig and to fearch for all Manner of Mines of 
Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron, Lead, Tin, and all Sorts of Mine- 
rals, as well within the Precinft aforefaid, as within any Part of 
the main Land, not formerly granted to any other ; And t o 
HAVE and ENJOY the Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron, Lead, and 
Tin, and all other Minerals, to be gotten thereby, to the Ufe 
and Behoof of the faid Company of Planters and Adventurers ; 
Yielding thereof, and paying Yearly, unto Us, our Heirs and 
Succeflbrs, as aforefaid. 

XVIII. And we do further, of our fpecial Grace, certain 
Knowledge, and mere Motion, for Us, our Heirs, and Succef- 
fors, Grant, by thefe Prefents, to and with the faid Treafurer 
and Company, and their SuccefTors, that it fhall be lawful and 
free for them, and their Affigns, at all and every time and times 
hereafter, out of our Realm of England, and out of all other our 
Dominions, to take and lead into the faid Voyages, and for and 
towards the faid Plantation, and to travel thitherwards, and to 
abide and inhabit there in the faid Colony and Plantation, all 
fuch and fo many of our loving Subjedls, or any other Strangers, 
that will become our loving Subjefts and live under our Obedi- 
ence, as fhall willingly accompany them in the faid Voyage and 
Plantation ; With fufficient Shipping, Armour, Weapons, Or- 
dinance, Munition, Powder, Shot, Vidfuals, and fuch Merchan- 
difes or Wares, as are efleemed by the wild People in thofe 
Parts, Cloathing, Implements, Furniture, Cattle, Horfes, and 

Mares, 



Treafurer and Company for Virginia, May 23, 1609. 19 

Mares, and all other things, neceflary for the faid Plantation, and 
for their Ufe, and Defence, and Trade with the People there; 
and in paffing and returning to and fro; Without yielding or 
paying Subfidy, Cuftom, Impofition, or any other Tax or Duty, 
to Us, our Heirs or Succeflbrs, for the Space of feven Years 
from the Date of thefe Prefents : Provided, that none of the 
faid Perfons be fuch, as fhall be hereafter, by efpecial Name, 
reftrained by Us, our Heirs, and Succeflbrs. 

XIX. And for their further Encouragement, of our fpecial 
Grace and Favour, we do, by thefe Prefents, for Us, our Heirs, 
and Succeflbrs, Yield and Grant, to and with the faid Trea- 
furer and Company, and their Succeflbrs, and every of them, 
their Faftors, and Afligns, that they, and every of them, fhall 
be free of all Subfidies and Cuft:oms in J'lrginia, for the Space of 
one and twenty Years, and from all Taxes and Impofitions, for 
ever, upon any Goods or Merchandifes, at any time or times here- 
after, either upon Importation thither, or Exportation from thence, 
into our Realm of England, or into any other of our Realms or 
Dominions, by the faid Treafurer and Company, and their Suc- 
ceflbrs, their Deputies, Faftors, or Afligns, or any of them : 
Except only the five Pounds per Cent, due for Cuftom, upon all 
fuch Goods and Merchandifes, as fliall be brought or imported 
into our Realm of Enp^land, or any other of thefe our Dominions, 
according to the ancient Trade of Merchants; Which five 
Pounds per Cent, only being paid, it fhall be thenceforth law- 
ful and free for the faid Adventurers, the fame Goods and Mer- 
chandifes to export, and carry out of our faid Dominions, into 
foreign Parts, without any Cuftom, Tax, or other Duty, to be 
paid to us, our Heirs, or Succeflbrs, or to any other our Officers 
or Deputies : Provided, that the faid Goods and Merchandifes 
be fhipped out, within thirteen Months, after their firft Landing 
within any Part of thofe Dominions. 

XX. And we do alfo Grant and confirm to the faid Trea- 
furer and Company, and their Succeflbrs, as alfo to all and every 
fuch Governor, or other Officers and Minifters, as by our faid 
Council fliall be appointed to have Power and Authority of Go- 
vernment and Command, in or over the faid Colony and Planta- 
tion ; That they, and every of them, ftiall and lawfully may, 
from time to time, and at all times for ever hereafter, for their 
feveral Defence and Safety, encounter, expulfe, repel, and refift, 
by Force and Arms, as well by Sea as by Land, and all Ways 
and Means whatfoever, all and every fuch Perfon and Perfons 
whatfoever, as (without the fpecial Licence of the faid Treafurer 
and Company, and their Succeflbrs) fliall attempt to inhabit, 
within the faid feveral Precindls and Limits of the faid Colony 
and Plantation ; And alfo, all and every fuch Perfon and Perfons 
whatfoever, as ftiall enterprife or attempt, at any time hereafter, 
Deftruftion, Invafion, Hurt, Detriment, or Annoyance, to the 
faid Colony and Plantation, as is likewife fpecified in the faid for- 
mer Grant : 

XXI. And that it fhall be lawful for the faid Treafurer and 
Company, and their Succeflbrs, and every of them, from time to 

time. 



20 K. James the I.'s fecond Charter to the 

time, and at all times for ever hereafter, and they fhall have 
full Power and Authority, to take and furprife, by all Ways and 
Means whatfoever, all and every Perfon and Perfons whatfoever, 
with their Ships, Goods, and other Furniture, trafficking in any 
Harbour, Creek, or Place, within the Limits or Precinfts of the 
faid Colony and Plantation, * not being allowed by the faid 
Company to be Adventurers or Planters of the faid Colony, until 
fuch time, as they, being of any Realms and Dominions under 
our Obedience, fhall pay, or agree to pay, to the Hands of the 
Tieafurer or of fome other Officer, deputed by the faid Gover- 
nor of Virginia (over and above fuch Subfidy and Cuftom, as the 
faid Company is, or hereafter fhall be, to pay) five Pounds per 
Cent, upon all Goods and Merchandifes fo brought in thither, 
and alfo five per Cent, upon all Goods by them fhipped out from 
thence ; And being Strangers, and not under our Obedience, 
until they have paid (over and above fuch Subfidy and Cuftom, as 
the faid Treafurer and Company, or their Succeffors, is, or here- 
after fhall be, to pay) ten Pounds per Cent, upon all fuch Goods, 
likewife carried in and out, any thing, in the faid former Let- 
ters Patents, to the contrary notwithftanding ; And the fame 
Sums of Money and Benefit, as aforefaid, for and during the 
Space of one and twenty Years, fhall be wholly employed to the 
Benefit, Ufe, and Behoof of the faid Colony and Plantation ; 
And after the faid one and twenty Years ended, the fame fliall 
be taken to the Ufe of Us, our Heirs, and Succeffors, by fuch 
Officers and Minifters, as by Us, our Heirs, or Succeffors, fhall 
be thereunto affigned and appointed, as is fpecified in the faid 
former Letters Patents. 

XXn. Also, we do, for Us, our Heirs, and Succeffors, de- 
clare, by thefe Prefents, that all and every the Perfons, being 
our Subjeds, which fhall go and inhabit within the faid Colony 
i and Plantation, and every of their Children and Pofterity, which 

fhall happen to be born within any the Limits thereof, fhall 
HAVE AND ENJOY all Liberties, Franchifes, and Immunities of 
free Denizens and natural Subjefts, within any of our other Do- 
minions, to all Intents and Purpofes, as if they had been abiding 
and born, within this our Realm of England, or in any other of 
our Dominions. 

XXIII. And forafmuch, as it fhall be neceffary for all fuch 
our loving Subjeds, as fhall inhabit within the faid Precinfts of 
Virginia, aforefaid, to determine to live together, in the Fear 
and' true Worfhip of Almighty God, Chriftian Peace, and civil 
guietnefs, each with other, whereby every one may, with more 
Safety, Pleafure, and Profit, enjoy that, whereunto they fhall 
attain with great Pain and Peril ; We, for Us, our Heirs and 
Succeffors, are likewife pleafed and contented, and by thefe Pre- 
fents, do GIVE and grant unto the faid Treafurer and Com- 
pany, and their Succeffors, and to fuch Governors, Officers, and 

Mi- 



* It is and being in the Original ; but the Senfe carried me To clearly to it, 
that I ventured to make this Corredlion, letting the Reader at the fame 
time know it. 



Treafurer and Company for Virginia, May 23, 1609. 21 

Minifters, as fhall be, by our faid Council, conftltuted and ap- 
pointed, according to the Natures and Limits of their Offices 
and Places refpeftively, that they fhall and may, from time to 
time for ever hereafter, within the faid Precindls of Virginia, or 
in the Way by \ Sea thither and from thence, have full and ab- 
folute Power and Authority, to correft, punifh, pardon, govern, 
and rule, all fuch the Subjects of Us, our Heirs, and Succeffbrs, 
as fhall, from time to time, adventure themfelves in any Voyage 
thither, or that fhall, at any time hereafter, inhabit in the Pre- 
cinds and Territories of the faid Colony, as aforefaid, according 
to fuch Orders, Ordinances, Conftitutions, Direftions, and In- 
flrudions, as by our faid Council, as aforefaid, fhall be eftablifh- 
ed ; And in Defeft thereof, in cafe of Neceffity, according to 
the good f Difcretions of the faid Governor and Officers, re- 
fpeftively, as well in Cafes capital and criminal as civil, both 
marine and other ; So always, as the faid Statutes, Ordinances, 
and Proceedings, as near as conveniently may be, be agreeable 
to the Laws, Statutes, Government, and Policy of this our 
Realm oi England. 

XXIV. And we do further, of our fpecial Grace, certain 
Knowledge, and mere Motion, grant, declare, and or- 
dain, that fuch principal Governor, as, from time to time, 
fhall duly and lawfully be authorifed and appointed, in Manner 
and Form in thefe Prefents heretofore exprefTed, fliall have full 
Power and Authority, to ufe and exercife Martial Law, in Cafes 
of Rebellion or Mutiny, in as large and ample Manner, as our 
Lieutenants in our '''' Counties, within this our Realm of En- 
gland, have, or ought to have, by Force of their Commiffions of 
Lieutenancy. 

XXV. And furthermore, if any Perfon or Perfons, Adven- 
turers or Planters of the faid Colony, or any other, at any time 
or times hereafter, fhall tranfport any Monies, Goods, or Mer- 
chandifes, out of any of our Kingdoms, with a Pretence or 
Purpofe, to land, fell, or otherwife difpofe of the fame, within 
the Limits or Bounds of the faid Colony, and yet neverthelefs, 
being at Sea, or after he hath landed within any Part of the faid 
Colony, fhall carry the fame into any other foreign Country, 
with a Purpofe there to fell and difpofe thereof; That then, all 
the Goods and Chattels of the faid Perfon, or Perfons, fo of- 
fending and tranfported, together with the Ship or Veffel, where- 
in fuch Tranfportation was made, fhall be forfeited to Us, our 
Heirs and Succeffors. 

XX VL And further, our Will and Pleafure is, that in all 
Oueftions and Doubts, that fhall arife, upon any Difficulty of 
Conftrudion or Interpretation of any thing, contained either in 
this or in our faid former Letters Patents, the fame fhall be taken 
and interpreted, in moft ample and beneficial Manner for the faid 
Treafurer and Company, and their Succeffors, and every Mem- 
ber thereof 



f M. S. Dircaiorii. * M. S. Countrys. 

C c XXVII. 



22 King James the I.'s fecond Charter to the &c. 

XXVII. And further, we do, by thefe Prefents, ratify and 
CONFIRM unto the faid Treafurer and Company, and their Suc- 
ceflbrs, all the Privileges, Franchifcs, Liberties, and Immunities, 
granted in our faid former Letters Patents, and not in thefe our 
Letters Patents revoked, altered, changed, or abridged. 

XXVIII. And finally, our Will and Pleasure is, and we do 
further, hereby, for Us, our Heirs, and Succeffbrs, grant and 
agree, to and with the faid Treafurer and Company, and their 
SuccefTors, that all and fingular Perfon and Perfons, which fhall, 
at any time or times hereafter, adventure any Sum or Sums of 
Money, in and towards the faid Plantation of the faid Colony 
in Virgima, and fhall be admitted, by the faid Council and 
Company, as Adventurers of the faid Colony, in Form aforefaid, 
and fhall be enrolled in the Book or Records of the Adventurers 
of the faid Company, fhall and may be accounted, accepted, ta- 
ken, held, and reputed. Adventurers of the faid Colony, and 
fhall and may enjoy all and fingular Grants, Privileges, Liberties, 
Benefits, Profits, Commodities, and Immunities, Advantages, and 
Emoluments, whacfoever, as fully, largely, amply, and abfolute- 
ly, as if they, and every of them, had been precifely, plainly 
Angularly, and diflindlly, named and inferted in thefe our Letters 
Patents. 

XXIX. And laflly, becaufe the principal EiFeft, which we 
can defire or exped of this Adion, is the Converfion and Re- 
duction of the People in thofe Parts unto the true Worfhip of 

1 God and Chriftian Religion, in which Refpedl we fhould be 

'\ loath, that any Perfon fhould be permitted to pafs, that we 

fufpefted to effed the fuperftitions of the Church of Rome ; 
We do hereby declare, that it is our Will and Pleafure, that 
none be permitted to pafs in any Voyage, from time to time to 
be made into the faid Country, but fuch, as firft fhall have 
taken the Oath of Supremacy ; For which Purpofe, we do, by 
thefe Prefents, give full Power and Authority, to the Treafurer 
for the time being, and any three of the Council, to tender and 
exhibit the faid Oath, to all fuch Perfons, as fhall, at any time, 
be fent and employed in the faid Voyage. Although exprefs 
Mention of the true Yearly Value or Certainty of the Premifes, 
or any of them, or of any other Gifts or Grants, by Us or any 
of our Progenitors or PredecefTors, to the aforefaid Treafurer and 
Company heretofore made, in thefe Prefents is not made ; Or 
any Aft, Statute, Ordinance, Provifion, Proclamation, or Re- 
ftraint, to the contrary hereof had, made, ordained, or provided, 
or any other Thing, Caufe, or Matter, whatfoever, in any wife 
notwithftanding. In Witness whereof. We have caufed thefe 
our Letters to be made Patent. Witnefs ourfelf at Wejhninjkr, 
the 23d Day of May, in the feventh Year of our Reign of En- 
gland, France, and Ireland, and of Scotland the **** 

Per ipjum Regem 

Lukui. 

N . III. 



23 



N°- III. 

A third Charter of K. James /. to the Treafiirer and Com- 
payiy forWx'g\\-\\2i. Dated March 12, 1611-2. 

I. y A M ES, hy the Grace of God, King of England, Scotland, 
J France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith ; To all, to 
whom thefe Prefents Ihall come. Greeting. VV h e r e a s, at the 
humble Suit of divers and fundry our loving Subjedls, as well 
Adventurers as Planters of the firll Colony in Virginia, and for 
the Propagation of Chrijiian Religion, and reclaiming of People 
barbarous to Civility and Humanity, We have, by our Letters 
Patents, bearing Date, at Wejhninjhr, the three and twentieth 
Day of May, in the feventh Year of our Reign of England, 
France, and Ireland, and the two and fortieth of Scotland, Given 
and Granted unto them, that they, and all fuch and fo many 
of our loving Subjeds, as {hould, from time to time for ever af- 
ter, be joined with them, as Planters or Adventurers in the faid 
Plantation, and their Succeffbrs, for ever, fhould be one Body 
politick, incorporated by the Name of, The Trea/urer and Com- 
pany of Adventurers and Planters of the City of London for the 
firji Colony in Virginia ; 

II. And whereas alfo, for the greater Good and Benefit of 
the faid Company, and for the better Furtherance, Strengthening, 
and Eftablhhing of the faid Plantation, we did further Give, 
Grant, and Confirm, by our faid Letters Patents, unto the 
faid Treafurer and Company, and their Succeffbrs, for ever, all 
thofe Lands, Countries, or Territories, fituate, lying, and being, 
in that Part of America called Virginia, from the Point of 
Land, called Cape or Point Comfort, all along the Sea Coalls, to 
the Northicard, two hundred Miles, and from the faid Point of 
Cape Confort, all along the Sea Coaft, to the Southzvard, two 
hundred Miles, and all that Space and Circuit of Land, lying from 
the Sea Coaft of the Precinft aforefaid, up or into the Land, 
throughout from Sea to Sea, Weji and Nortkiue/l, and alfo all 
the Iflands, lying within one hundred Miles, along the Coaft of 
both the Seas of the Precind aforefaid, with divers other Grants, 
Liberties, Franchifes, and Preheminences, Previleges, Profits, Be- 
nefits, and Commodities, granted, in and by our faid Letters Pa- 
tents, to the faid Treafurer and Company, and their Succeffbrs, 
for ever : 

III. Now, forafmuch as we are given to underftand, that in 
thofe Seas, adjoining to the faid Coafts of Virginia, and without 
the Compafs of thofe two hundred Miles, by Us fo granted unto 
the faid Treafurer and Company, as aforefaid, and yet not far 
dirtant from the faid Colony in I'trginia, there are, or may be, 
divers Iffands, lying defolate and uninhabited, fome of which are 
already made known and difcovered, by the Induftry, Travel, 

C c 2 and 



24 A third Charter of K. James I. to the Treafurer 

and Expences of the faid Company, and others alfo are fuppofed 
to be and remain, as yet, unknown and undifcovered, all and 
every of which it may import the faid Colony, both in Safety 
and Policy of Trade, to populate and plant, in Regard whereof, 
as well for the preventing of Peril, as for the better Commodity 
and Profperity of the faid Colony, they have been humble Suitors 
unto us, that we would be pleafed to grant unto them f an En- 
largement of our faid former Letters Patents, as well for a more 
ample Extent of their Limits and Territories into the Seas, ad- 
joining to and upon the Coaft of Virginia, as alfo for fome other 
Matters and Articles, concerning the better Government of the 
faid Company and Colony, in which Point our faid former Let- 
ters Patents do not extend fo far, as Time and Experience hath 
found to be needful and convenient : 

IV. W E therefore, tendering the good and happy Succefs of 
the faid Plantation, both in Regard of the general \ Weal of 
human Society, as in Refpeft of the Good of our own Eftate and 
Kingdoms, and being willing to give Furtherance unto all good 
Means, that may advance the Benefit of the faid * Company, 
and which may fecure the Safety of our loving Subjedls, planted 
in our faid Colony under the Favour and Proteftion of God Al- 
mighty, and of our Royal Power and Authority, have tlierefore, 
of our efpecial Grace, certain Knowledge, and mere Motion, 
given, granted, and confirmed, and for Us, our Heirs and Suc- 
ceflbrs, we do, by thefe Prcfents, Give, Grant, and Confirm, 
to the faid Treafurer and Company of Adventurers and Planters 
of the City of London for the firft Colony in Virginia, and to 
their Heirs and Succeflbrs, for ever, all and fingular thofe Iflands 
whatfoever, fituate and being in any Part of the Ocean Seas 
bordering upon the Coaft of our faid firft Colony in Virginia, and 
being within three hundred Leagues of any the Parts heretofore 
granted to the faid Treafurer and Company, in our faid former 
Letters Patents, as aforefaid, and being within or between the 
one and fortieth and thirtieth Degrees of Northerly Latitude, To- 
gether with all and fingular Soils, Lands, Grounds, Havens, 
Ports, Rivers, Waters, Fifhings, Mines, and Minerals, as well 
Royal Mines of Gold and Silver, as other Mines and Minerals, 
Pearls, Precious Stones, Quarries, and all and fingular other Com- 
modities, JurifdidVions, Royalties, Privileges, Franchifes, and Pre- 
heminences, both within the faid Trad of Land upon the Main, 
and alfo within the faid Iflands and Seas adjoining, whatfoever, 
and thereunto or thereabouts, both by Sea and Land, being or 
fituate ; And which, by our Letters Patents, we may or can 
grant, and in as ample Manner and Sort, as We, or any our no- 
ble Progenitors, have heretofore granted to any Perfon or Per- 
fons, or to any Company, Body politick or corporate, or to any 
Adventurer or Adventurers, Undertaker or Undertakers, of any 
Difcoveries, Plantations, or Trafiick, of in or into any foreign 
Parts, whatfoever, and in as large and ample Manner, as if the 



f and, M. S. X M. S. Wheel. * M. S. Companies. 



fame 



and Company for Virginia, March 12, 1611-2. 25 

fame were herein particularly named, mentioned, and exprefled : 
Provided always, that the faid Iflands, or any the Premifes herein 
mentioned, or by thefe Prefents intended or \ meant to be granted, 
be not aftually poffefled or inhabited by any other Clirijiian Prince 
or Eftate, nor be within the Bounds, Limits, or Territories of the 
Northern Colony, heretofore by Us granted to be planted by divers 
of our loving Subjeds, in the North Parts of Firginia. To have 
AND TO HOLD, poflcfs and enjoy, f all and Angular the faid 
lilands, in the faid Ocean Seas fo lying, and bordering upon the 
Coaft and Coafts of the Territories of the faid firft Colony in 
Virginia, as aforefaid ; With all and Angular the faid Soils, Lands, 
and Grounds, and all and fmgular other the Premifes, heretofore 
by thefe Prefents granted, or mentioned to be granted, to them, 
the faid * Trcafurer and Company of Adventurers and Planters 
of the City of London for the firfh Colony in Virginia, and to their 
Heirs, Succeflbrs, and Afiigns, for ever, to the fole and proper Ufe 
and Behoof of them, the faid Treafurer and Company, and their 
Heirs, and Succeflbrs, and Afligns, for ever; To be holden 
of us, our Heirs, and Succeflbrs, as of our Manor of Eaji-Green- 
zvich, in free and common Soccage, and not in Capite ; Yield- 
ing and paying therefore to Us, our Heirs, and Succeflbrs, 
the II fifth Part of the Ore of all Gold and Silver, which fhall be 
there gotten, had, or obtained, for all Manner of Services what- 
foever. 

V, And fiarther, our Will and Pleafure is, and we do, by thefe 
Prefents, Grant and confirm, for the Good and Welfare of 
the faid Plantation, and that Pofterity may hereafter know, who 
have adventured and not been fparing of their Purfes in fuch a 
noble and generous Aftion for the general Good of their Country, 
and at the Requeft, and with the Confent, of the Company a- 
forefaid, that our trufty and well-beloved § Subjects, George, 
Lord Archbifhop of Canterbury, Henry, Earl of Huntington, Ed- 
ward, Earl of Bedford, Richard, Earl of Clanrickard, &c. who 
fmce our faid laft Letters Patents are become Adventurers, and 
have joined themfelves with the former Adventurers and Planters 
of the faid Company and Society, fhall, from henceforth, be re- 
puted, deemed, and taken to be, and Ihall be Brethren and free 
Members of the Company, and Ihall and may, refpeftively, and 
according to the Proportion and Value of their feveral Adven- 
tures, have, hold, and enjoy all fuch Intereft, Right, Title, 
Privileges, Preheminences, Liberties, Franchifes, Immunities, 
Profits, and Commodities, whatfoever, in as large, and ample, 
and beneficial Manner, to all Intents, Conftrudions, and Purpo- 
fes, as any other Adventurers, nominated and exprefTed in any 
our former Letters Patents, or any of them, have or may have, 
by Force and Virtue of thefe Prefents, or any our former Letters 
Patents whatfoever. 



X M. S. ,ncan. f M. S. and and fmgular. * M. S. Triafurcrs. 

II M. S. firjl. § M. S. Subjecl. 



VL And 



26 A third Charter of K. James the I. to the Treafurer 

VI. A N D we are further pleafed, and we do, by thefe Prefents, 
Grant and confirm, that Philip, Earl of Montgomery, 11 11- 
liam Lord Pagd, Sir John Starnngton, Knt. &c. whom the faid 
Treafurer and Company have, fince the faid laft Letters Patents, 
nominated and fet down, as worthy and difcreet Perfons, fit to 
ferve us as Counfellors, to be of our Council for the faid Plan- 
tation, fhall be reputed, deemed, and taken, as Perfons of our 
faid Council for the faid firft Colony, in fuch Manner and Sort, 
to all Intents and Purpofes, as thofe, who have been formerly 
elefted and nominated, as our Counfellors for that Colony, and 
whofe Names have been or are inferted and exprefled, in our faid 
former Letters Patents. 

VII. And We do hereby Ordain and Grant, by thefe Pre- 
fents, that the faid Treafurer and Company of Adventurers and 
Planters aforefaid, fhall and may, once every Week, or oftener, 
at their Pleaiure, hold and keep a Court and AfTembly, for the 
better Order and Government of the faid Plantation, and fuch 
things, as fhall concern the fame ; And that any five Perfons of 
our Council for the faid firft Colony in Virginia, for the time be- 
ing, of which Company the Treafurer, or his Deputy, to be al- 
ways one, and the Number of fifteen others, at the leaft, of the 
Generality of the faid Company, affcmbled together in fuch 
Manner, as is and hath been heretofore ufed and accuflomed, 
fhall be faid, taken, held, and reputed to be, and fhall be z.Jujficwit 
Court of the faid Company, for the handling, and ordering, and 
difpathcing of all fuch cafual and particular Occurrences, and ac- 
cidental Matters, of lefs Confequence and Weight, as fhall, from 
time to time, happen, touching and concerning the faid Plan- 
tation : 

VIII. And that neverthelefs, for the handling, ordering, and 
difpofmg of Matters and Affairs of greater Weight and Importance, 
and fuch, as fliall or may, in any Sort, concern the J Weal Pub- 
lick and general Good of the faid Company and Plantation, as 
namely, the Manner of Government from time to time to be 
ufed, the Ordering and Difpofmg of the Lands and PofTeffions, 
and the Settling and Eltablifliing of a Trade there, or fuch like, 
there fhall be held and kept, every Year, upon the lafl Wednef- 
day, fave one, of Hillary Term, Eajkr, Trinity, and Michael- 
mas Terms, for ever, one great, general, and folemn AfTembly, 
which four AlTemblies fhall be filled and called. The Jour Great 
and General Courts of the Council and Company of Adventurers Jor 
Virginia ; f In all and every of which faid Great and General 
Courts, fo affembled, our Will and Pleafure is, and we do, for 
Us, our Heirs, and SuccefTors, for ever. Give and grant to 
the faid Treafurer and Company, and their Succeffors, for ever, 
by thefe Prefents, that they, the faid Treafurer and Company, 
or the greater Number of them, fo affcmbled, fliall and may have 
full Power and Authority, from time to time, and at all times 
hereafter, to eleft and chufe difcreet Perfons, to be of our faid 



X M. S. IV, with a Blank after it. f M. S. in and et-crj 



and Company for Virginia, March 12, 1611-2. 27. 

Council for the faid firft Colony in J'irginut, and to nominate 
and appoint fuch Officers, as they fliall think fit and rcquifite, for 
the Government, Managing, Ordering, and Difpatching of the 
Affairs of the faid Company ; And fliall likewife have full Power 
and Authority, to ordain and make fuch Laws and Ordinances, 
for the Good and Welfare of the faid Plantation, as to them, 
from time to time, fhall be thought requifite and meet : So al- 
ways, as the fame be not contrary to the Laws and Statutes of 
this our Realm o[ Eiio'laucl ; And fhall, in like Manner, * have 
Power and Authority, to expulfe, disfranchile, and put, out of 
and from their faid Company and Society, for ever, all and every 
fuch Perfon and Perfons, as having either promifed, or fubfcribed 
their Names, to become Adventurers to the faid Plantation of the 
faid firft Colony in Virginia, f or having been nominated for Ad- 
venturers, in thefe or any other our Letters Patents, or having 
been otherwife admitted and nominated to be of the faid Com- 
pany, have neverthelefs, either not put in any Adventure at all, 
for and towards the faid Plantation, or elfe have refufed and neg- 
leded, or fhall refufe and negleft, to bring in his or their Ad- 
venture, by Word or Writing promifed, within fix Months after 
the fame fhall be fo payable and due. 

IX. And whereas the Failing and not Payment of fuch Mo- 
nies, as have been promifed in Adventure for the Advancement 
of the faid Plantation, hath been often by Experience found, to 
be dangerous and prejudicial to the fame, and much to have hin- 
dered the Progrefs and Proceeding of the faid Plantation, and for 
that it feemeth unto Us a thing reafonable, that fuch Perfons, as 
by their Hand Writing have engaged themfelves for the Payment 
of their Adventures, and afterwards neglefting their Faith and 
Promife, fhould be compelled to make good and keep the fame ; 
Therefore our Will and Pleafure is, that in any Suit or Suits, 
commenced or to be commenced, in any of our Courts at JVeJi- 
minjier, or elfewhere, by the faid Treafurer and Company, or 
otherwife, againft any fuch Perfons, that our Judges for the time 
being, both in our Court of Chancery and at the Common Pleas, 
do favour and fiirther the faid Suits, fo far forth as Law and E- 
quity will, in any wife, further and permit. 

X. And we do, for Us, our Heirs, and SuccefTors, further 
Give and Grant to the faid Treafurer and Company, or their 
SuccefTors, for ever, that they, the faid Treafurer and Company, 
or the greater Part of them, for the time being, fo in a full and 
general Court affembled, as aforefaid, fhall and may, from time 
to time, and at all times for ever hereafter, eleft, choofe, and 
admit into their Company and Society, any Perfon or Perfons, 
as well Strangers J and Aliens, born in any Part beyond the Seas 
wherefoever, being in Amity with us, as our natural Leige-Sub- 
jefts, born in any our Realms and Dominions ; And that all fuch 
Perfons, fo elefted, chofen, and admitted to be of the faid Com- 
pany, as aforefaid, fhall thereupon be taken, reputed, and held. 



* M. S. ha-je and Authority. f M. S. of. X M. S. 



28 A third Charter of K. Jcmes I. to the Treafurer 

and fhall be, free Members of the faid Company, and fhall have, 
hold, and enjoy all and fmgular Freedoms, Liberties, Franchifes, 
Privileges, Immunities, Benefits, Profits, and Commodities, what- 
foever, to the faid Company in any Sort belonging or appertain- 
ing, as fully, freely, and amply, as any other Adventurers, now 
being, or which hereafter at any time fhall be of the faid Com- 
pany, hath, have, fhall, may, might, or ought to have and enjoy 
the fame, to all Intents and Purpofes whatfoever. 

XI. And we do further, of our efpecial Grace, certain 
Knowledge, and mere Motion, for Us, our Heirs, and Succef- 
fors, GIVE AND GRANT uDto the faid Treafurer and Company, 
and their Succeflbrs, for ever, by thefe Prefents, that it fhall be 
lawful and free, for them and their Afligns, at all and every time 
and times hereafter, out of any our Realms and Dominions what- 
foever, to take, lead, carry, and tranfport, in and into the faid 
Voyage, and for and towards the faid Plantation of our faid firft 
Colony in Virginia, all fuch and fo many of our loving Subjeds, 
or any other Strangers, that will become our loving Subjeds and 
live under our Allegiance, as fhall willingly accompany them in 
the faid Voyages and Plantation ; With Shipping, Armour, Wea- 
pons, Ordinance, Munition, Powder, Shot, Viftuals, and all 
Manner of Merchandifes and Wares, and all Manner of Cloath- 
ing, Implements, Furniture, Beafts, Cattle, Horfes, Mares and 
all other things neceflary for the faid Plantation, and for their 
Ufe and Defence, and for Trade with the People there, and in 
pafling and returning to and from, without paying or yielding 
any Subfidy, Cuftom, or Impofition, either inward or outward, 
or any other Duty, to Us, our Heirs, or Succeflbrs, for the 
fame, for the Space of feven Years from the Date of thefe Pre- 
fents. 

XII. And we do further, for Us, our Heirs, and Succeflbrs, 
Give and grant to the faid Treafurer and Company, and 
their Succeflbrs, for ever, by thefe Prefents, that the faid Trea- 
furer of that Company, or his Deputy, for the time being, or 
any two other of the faid Council for the faid firft Colony in 
Virginia, for the time being, or any two other at all times here- 
after, and from time to time, have full Power and Authority, 
to minifter and give the Oath and Oaths of Supremacy and Al- 
legiance, or either of them, to all and every Perfon and Perfons, 
which fhall, at any time or times hereafter, go or pafs to the 
faid Colony in Virginia : 

XIII. And further, that it fhall be lawful likewife for the 
faid Treafurer, or his Deputy, for the time being, or any two 
or others of our faid Council for the faid firft Colony in Virginia, 
for the time being, from time to time, and at all times hereaf- 
ter, to minifter fuch a formal Oath, as by their Difcretion fhall 
be reafonably devifed, as well unto any Perfon or Perfons, em- 
ployed in, for, or touching the faid Plantation, for their honeft, 
faithful, and juft Difcharge of their Service, in all fuch Matters, 
as fliall be committed unto them for the Good and Benefit of the 
faid Company, Colony, and Plantation ; As alfo, unto fuch other 
Perfon or Perfons, as the faid Treafurer, or his Deputy, with 

two 



and Company for Virginia, March 12, 1611-2. 29 

two others of the faid Council, fhall think meet, for the Examina- 
tion or clearing of the Truth, in any Caufe whatfoever concern- 
ing the faid Plantation, or any Bufmefs, from thence proceeding, 
or thereunto belonging. 

XIV. And furthermore, whereas we have been certified, 
that divers lewd and ill-difpofed Perfons, both Sailers, Soldiers, 
Artificers, Hufbandmen, Labourers, and others, having received 
Wages, * Apparel, and other Entertainment from the faid Com- 
pany, or having contraded and agreed with the faid Company, 
to go, or to ferve, or to be employed in the faid Plantation of 
the faid firft Colony in Virginia, have afterwards, either with- 
drawn, hid, or concealed themfelves, or have refufed to go thi- 
ther, after they have been fo entertained and agreed withal ; 
And that divers and fundry Perfons alfo, which have been fcnt 
and employed in the faid Plantation of the faid firft Colony in 
Virginia, at and upon the Charge of the faid Company, and 
having there mifbehaved themfelves by Mutinies, Sedition, or 
other notorious Mifdemcanors, or having been employed or fent 
abroad,Jiy the Governor of Virginia or his Deputy, with fome 
Ship or Pinnace, for cur Provifion of the faid Colony, or for fome 
Difcovery, or other Bufmefs and Affairs, concerning the fame, 
have from thence moft treacheroufly, either come back again and 
returned into our Realm of England, by Stealth, or without 
Licence of our Governor of our faid Colony in Virginia for the 
time being, or have been fent hither, as Mifdoers and Offenders ; 
And that many alfo of thofe Perfons, after their Return from 
thence, having been queftioned by our faid Council here, for 
fuch their Mifbehaviors and Offences, by their infolent and con- 
temptuous Carriage in the Prefence of our faid Council, have 
fhewed Httle Refpeft and Reverence, either to the Place, or Au- 
thority, in which we have placed and appointed them ; And 
others, for the colouring of their Lewdnefs and Mifdemeanors 
committed in Virginia, have endeavoured, by moft vile and 
flanderous Reports, made and divulged, as well of the Country 
of Virginia, as alfo of the Government and Eftate of the faid 
Plantation and Colony, as much as in them lay, to bring the faid 
Voyage and Plantation into Difgrace and Contempt ; By Means 
whereof, not only the Adventurers and Planters, already engaged 
in the faid Plantation, have been exceedingly abufed and hinder- 
ed, and a great Number of other our loving and well-difpofed 
Subjefts, otherwife well-affeded, and enclined to join and ad- 
venture in fo noble, chriftian, and worthy an Aftion, have been 
difcouraged from the fame, but alfo the utter Overthrow and 
Ruin of the faid Enterprife hath been greatly endangered, which 
cannot mifcarry without fome Difhonour to Us and our King- 
dom ; 

XV. Now, forafmuch as it appeareth unto us, that thefe In- 
folences, Mifdemeanors, and Abufes, not to be tolerated in any 
civil Government, have, for the moft part, grown and proceed- 
ed, in regard our faid Council have not any direft Power and 

* M. S. Afpell an other. 

51 D d Au- 



30 A third Charter of K. James I. to the Treafurer 

Authority, by any exprefs Words in our former Letters Patents, 
to corred and chaftife fuch Offenders; We therefore, for the 
more fpeedy Reformation of fo great and enormous Abufes and 
Mifdemeanors, heretofore pradlifed and committed, and for the 
preventing of the like hereafter, do, by thefe Prefents, for Us, 
our Heirs, and Succeflbrs, give and grant to the faid Trea- 
furer and Company, and their Succeflbrs, for ever, that it fhall 
and may be lawful for our faid Council for the faid firll Colony 
in Virginia, or any two of them (whereof the faid Treafurer, or 
his Deputy, for the time being, to be always one) by Warrant 
under their Hands, to fend for, or to caufe to be apprehended, 
all and every fuch Perfon and Perfons, who fhall be noted, or 
accufed, or found, at any time or times hereafter, to offend, or 
mifbehave themfelves, in any the Offences before mentioned and 
exprefled ; And upon the Examination of any fuch Offender or 
Offenders, and jufl Proof made by Oath, taken before the faid 
Council, of any fuch notorious Mifdemeanors by them com- 
mitted, as aforefaid; And alfo upon any infolent, and contemp- 
tuous, or indecent Carriage and Mi{behaviour, to or againft our 
faid Council, fhewed or ufed by any fuch Perfon or Perfons, fo 
called, convented, and appearing before them, as aforefaid ; 
That in all fuch Cafes, they, our faid Council, or any two of 
them, for the time being, fhall and may have full Power and 
Authority, either here to bind them over with good Sureties for 
their good Behaviour, and further therein to proceed, to all In- 
tents and Purpofes, as it is ufed, in other like Cafes, within our 
Realm of England; Or elfe, at their Difcretions, to remand and 
fend them back, the faid Offenders, or any of them, unto the 
faid Colony in Virginia, there to be proceeded againft and pu- 
nifhed, as the Governor, Deputy, or Council there, for the 
time being, fhall think meet; or otherwife, according to fuch 
Laws and Ordinances, as are and fhall be in Ufe there, for the 
Well-ordering and good Government of the faid Colony. 

X VL And for the more effedual Advancing of the faid Plan- 
tation, we do further, for Us, our Heirs, and Succeffors, of our 
efpecial Grace and Favour, by Virtue of our Prerogative Royal, 
and by the Affent and Confent of the Lords and others of our 
Privy Council, Give and grant, unto the faid Treafurer and 
Company, full Power and Authority, free Leave, Liberty, and 
Licence, to fet forth, ered, and publifh, one or more Lottery 
or Lotteries, to have Continuance, and to endure and be held, 
for the Space of our whole Year, next after the Opening of the 
fame ; And after the End and Expiration of the faid Term, the 
faid Lottery or Lotteries to continue and be further kept, during 
our Will and Pleafure only, and not otherwife. And yet never- 
thelefs, we are contented and pleafed, for the Good and Welfare 
of the faid Plantation, that the faid Treafurer and Company 
fhall, for the Difpatch and Finifhing of the faid Lottery or Lot- 
teries, have fix Months Warning after the faid Year ended, be- 
fore our Will and Pleafure fhall, for and on that Behalf, be con- 
ftrued, deemed, and adjudged, to be in any wife altered and de- 
termined. 

xvn. 



and Company for Virginia, March 12, 1611-2. 31 

XVII. And our further Will and Plealure is, that the faid 
Lottery and Lotteries fhall and may be opened and held, within 
our City of London, or in any other City or Town, or elfewhere, 
within this our Realm of England, with fuch Prizes, Articles, 
Conditions, and Limitations, as to them, the faid Treafurer and 
Company, in their Difcretions, Ihall feem convenient : 

XVIII. And that it fhall and may be lawful, to and for the 
faid Treafurer and Company, to eleft and choofe Receivers, 
Auditors, Surveyors, Commiffioners, or any other Officers what- 
foever, at their Will and Pleafure, for the better marfhalling, 
difpofing, guiding, and governing of the faid Lottery and Lot- 
teries ; And that it fhall likewife be lawful, to and for the faid 
Treafurer and any two of the faid Council, to minifter to all and 
every fuch Perfon, fo defied and chofen for Officers, as afore- 
faid, one or more Oaths, for their good Behaviour, juft and true 
Dealing, in and about the faid Lottery or Lotteries, to the In- 
tent and Purpofe, that none of our loving Subjefts, putting in 
their Names, or otherwife adventuring in the faid general Lot- 
tery or Lotteries, may be, in any wife, defrauded and deceived 
of their faid Monies, or evil and indireftly dealt withal in their 
faid Adventures. 

XIX. And we further Grant, in Manner and Form afore- 
faid, that it fhall and may be lawful, to and for the faid Trea- 
furer and Company, under the Seal of our faid Council for the 
Plantation, to publifli, or to caufe and procure to be publifhed, 
by Proclamation or otherwife (the faid Proclamation to be made 
in their Name, by Virtue of thefe Prefents) the faid Lottery or 
Lotteries, in all Cities, Towns, Burroughs, and 
other Places, within our faid Realm of England ; And we Will 
and Command all J Mayors, Juftices of Peace, Sherifs, BaihfFs, 
Conflables, and other Officers and loving Subjefts, whatfoever, 
that, in no wife, they hinder or delay the Progrefs and Proceed- 
ings of the faid Lottery or Lotteries, but be therein, touching 
the Premifes, aiding and affifting, by all honefl, good, and law- 
ful Means and Endeavours. 

XX. And further, our Will and Pleafure is, that in all Que- 
ftions and Doubts, that fhall arife, upon any Difficulty f of Con- 
ftruftion or Interpretation of any thing, contained in thefe, or 
any other our former Letters Patents, the fame fhall be taken 
and interpreted, in moft ample and beneficial Manner for the faid 
Treafurer and Company, and their SuccefTors, and every Mem- 
ber thereof. 

XXI. And laftly, we do, by thefe Prefents, ratify and 
CONFIRM unto the faid Treafurer and Company, and their Suc- 
cefTors, for ever, all and all Manner of Privileges, Franchifes, 
Liberties, Immunities, Preheminences, Profits, and Commodi- 
ties, whatfoever, granted unto them in any our former Letters 
Patents, and not in thefe Prefents revoked, altered, changed, or 
abridged. Although exprefs Mention of the true Yearly Va- 
lue or Certainty of the Premifes, or any of them, or of any 

% M. S. Mayor. \ M. S. or. 

D d 2 other 



32 The Company's Charter for a Council 

other Gift or Grant, by Us or any of our Progenitors or Prede- 
cefTors, to the aforefaid Treafurer and Company heretofore made, 
in thefe Prefents is not made ; Or any Statute, Aft, Ordinance, 
Provifion, Proclamation, or Reftraint, to the contrary thereof 
heretofore made, ordained, or provided, or any other Matter, 
Caufe, or thing, whatfoever, to the contrary, in any wife, not- 
withftanding. 

In Witness whereof we have caufed thefe our Letters to 
be made Patents. Witnefs Ourfelf, at Wejlnnnjler, the tweUth 
Day of March., in the ninth Year of our Reign of England, 
France, and Ireland, and of Scotland the five and fortieth. 



NO. IV. 

Jn Ordinance and Conji'itut'ion of the Treafurer^ Council^ and 
Company in England, for a Council of State and General 
AJjeynbly. Dated July 24, 1 62 1. 

I. ^~\^ O all People, to whom thefe Prefents fnall come, be 
J. feen, or heard, The Treafurer, Council, and Com- 
pany of Adventurers and Planters for the City of London for the 
firft Colony of Virginia, fend Greeting. Know ye, that we, 
the faid Treafurer, Council, and Company, taking into our care- 
ful Confideration the prefent State of the faid Colony of Virgi- 
nia, and intending, by the Divine Affiftance, to fettle fuch a 
Form of Government there, as may be to the greateft Benefit 
and Comfort of the People, and whereby all Injuftice, Grie- 
vances, and Oppreffion may be prevented and kept oiF as much 
as poflible from the faid Colony, have thought fit to make our 
Entrance, by ordering and eftabliiliing fuch Supreme Councils, as 
may not only be affifting to the Governor for the time being, in 
the Adminiftration of Juftice, and the Executing of other Du- 
ties to this Office belonging, but alfo, by their vigilant Care 
and Prudence, may provide, as well for a Remedy of all Incon- 
veniences, growing from time to time, as alfo for advancing of 
Increafe, Strength, Stability, and Profperity of the faid Colony : 

II. W E therefore, the faid Treafurer, Council, and Compa- 
ny, * by Authority direfted to us from his Majefty under the 
Great Seal, upon mature Deliberation, do hereby order and 
declare, that, from hence forward, there (hall be two supreme 
Councils in Virginia, for the better Government of the faid 
Colony aforefaid. 

III. The one of which Councils, to be called The Coun- 
cil OF State (and whofe Office fliall chiefly be affifting, with 
their Care, Advice, and Circumfpeftion, to the faid Governor) 
fhall be chofen, nominated, placed, and difplaced, from time to 



* Vide Sea. XIV. and XXIII. of the fecond Charter, and Sed. VIII. 
of the tliird. 



of State and General Affembly, Jvly 24, 1621. 33 

time, by Us, the faid Treafurer, Council, and Company, and 
our Succeflbrs : Whicii Council of State Ihall confift, for the pre- 
fent, only of thefe Perlbns, as are here inferted, viz. Sir Francis 
Wyat, \ Governor of Firgmia, Captain Francis Weji, Sir George 
Yeardley, Knight, Sir Williavi Neuce, Knight Marfhal of Firgima, 
Mr. George Sandys, Treafurer, Mr. George f Thorpe, Deputy of 
the College, Captain Thomas Neuce, Deputy for the Company, 
Mr. Pazclet, Mr. Leech, Captain Nathaniel Fozcel, Mr. Chrijlo- 
pher Davifon, Secretary, Doftor Pots, Phyfician to the Company, 
Mr. Roge}- Smith, Mr. John Berkeley, Mr. John Rolfe, Mr. Ralph 
Hamer^ Mr. John * Fountis, Mr. Alichael Lapicorih, Mr. Har- 
u'ood, Mr, Samuel Macock. Which faid Counfellors and Council 
we earneftly pray and defire, and in his Majelly's Name ftridly 
charge and command, that (all Faftions, Partialities, and finifter 
Refpeft laid afide) they bend their Care and Endeavours to aflift 
the faid Governor ; firft and principally, in the Advancement of 
the Honour and Service of God, and the Enlargement of his 
Kingdom amongft the Heathen People ; and next, in eretting of 
the faid Colony in due Obedience to his Majefty, and all lawful 
Authority from his Majefty's Direftions ; and laftly, in maintain- 
ing the faid People in Juftice and Chrijlian Converfation amongft 
themielves, and in Strength and AbiHty to wichftand their Ene- 
mies. And this Council, to be always, or for the moll Part, re- 
fiding about or near the Governor. 

IV, The other Council, more generally to be called by the 
Governor, once Yearly, and no § oftener, but for || very extra- 
ordinary and important Occafions, fhall confift, ** for the prefent, 
of the faid Council of State, and of two Burgefles out of every 
Town, Hundred, or other particular Plantation, to be refpedive- 
ly chofen by the Inhabitants : Which Council fhall be called 
The General Assembly, wherein (as alio in the faid Council 
of State) all Matters fhall be decided, determined, and ordered, 
by the greater Part of the Voices then prefent ; referving to the 
Governor always a Negative Voice. And this General AfTembly 
fhall have free Power to treat, confult, and conclude, as well of all 
emergent Occafions concerning the Publick Weal of the faid Co- 
lony and every Part thereof, as alfo to make, ordain, and enaft 
fuch general Laws and Orders, for the Behoof of the faid Colony, 
and the good Government thereof, as fhall, from time to time, 
appear necefTary or requifite ; 

V. Whereas in all other Things, we require the faid General 
AfTembly, as alfo the faid Council of State, to imitate and follow 

\ It is to be noted, that the Governor is always inferted in the old Com- 
miflions, as a Part, and the Head of the Council of State. 

\ M. S. Thome ; but as I am perfedtly well acquainted with thefe Names 
and Perfons, by perufing the ancient Records, I fhall take the Liberty of cor- 
redting the Errors of the Tranfcriber. 

* M. S. Doivmus. 

§ M. S. officer. 

II M. S. -very and extraordinary important -^ which likewife makes Senfe, 
taking extraordinary adverbially. 

** M. S. for prefent. 

the 



The Company's Charter for a Council &c. 

the Policy of the Form of Government, Laws, Cuftoms, and 
Manner of Trial, and other Adminiftration of Juftice, ufed in the 
Realm of England, as near as may be, even as ourfelves, by his 
Majefty's Letters Patent, are required. 

VL Provided, that no Law or Ordinance, made in the faid 
General Aflembly, Jhall be or continue in Force or Validity, 
unlefs the fame fhall be folemnly ratified and confirmed, in a 
General Quarter Court of the faid * Company here in England, 
and fo ratified, be returned to them under our Seal ; It being 
our Intent to afford the like Meafure alfo unto the faid Colony, 
that after the Government of the faid Colony {hall once have 
been well framed, and fettled accordingly, which is to be done 
by Us, as by Authority derived from his Majefty, and the fame 
fhall have been fo by us declared, no Orders of Court after- 
wards fhall bind the faid Colony, unlefs they be ratified in like 
Manner in the General Affemblies. In Witness whereof we 
have hereunto fet our Common Seal, the 24th of July 1621, 
and in the Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, JAMES, 
King of England &c. the **** and oi Scotland the ****. 

* M. S. Court. 







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